Panamá Showcases Its Richness at FITUR 2024

Panamá is gearing up for a prominent presence at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), scheduled to take place from January 22 to 26 in Madrid, Spain. This year, both Visit Panama (PROMTUR) and the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) are poised to highlight the country’s natural, cultural, and culinary wealth as the focal points of their participation.

A Sensory Journey at FITUR

Visitors to the stand, located at Pavilion 3 of the fair, will be immersed in a unique sensory journey designed to showcase the vibrancy of Panama. There will be culinary experiences led by two internationally renowned chefs: Mario Castrellón, whose restaurant Maito ranks 14th on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and Isaac Villaverde, recognized for his establishment La Tapa del Coco, placed 74th in Latin America’s 100 Best Restaurants. Attendees will enjoy gastronomic tastings and be engaged in immersive activities that include cultural representations and a 360° virtual tour of some of Panama’s most iconic landscapes.

Launch of Menú Panamá 2025

At FITUR, there will also be a promotional push for Menú Panamá 2025, a gastronomic and musical festival set to take place from April 24 to April 26, 2025, in Panama City. The event aims to promote unity and highlight the country’s culinary scene as a cultural bridge for Central America and the Caribbean, with proceeds benefiting TURIGASTRO, Panama’s first gastronomic tourism chamber.

Demetrio Maduro, President of the Board of Visit Panama (PROMTUR), noted, ‘The festival will feature international and Panamanian chefs providing a unique culinary experience with live cooking shows. Over three days, participants can savor culinary routes showcasing the most representative flavors from Panama’s various regions, including Afro-Panamanian cuisine from Colón and Sino-Panamanian dishes from El Dorado and Condado.’

He added, ‘In addition to culinary events, there will be musical festivals, exclusive dinners, and a variety of cultural activities that spotlight the rich gastronomic and cultural heritage of Panama, appealing to both tourists and local residents.’

A Unique Experience Awaits

Gloria De León, Panama’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized the importance of FITUR 2025, stating, ‘We want visitors to not only learn about Panama but to experience it in its entirety. Through Menú Panamá, we invite you to explore our cultural and culinary richness in a unique experience filled with flavor and tradition.’

Panamá, strategically located between two oceans and two continents, offers unparalleled biodiversity, featuring the world’s most studied tropical forest and its national parks. The capital, Ciudad de Panamá, beautifully juxtaposes modern skyscrapers with the historical Casco Antiguo and the Panama Canal, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The nation’s culinary scene reflects a blend of indigenous, Afro-descendant, and Spanish influences that have garnered international recognition from UNESCO. From the idyllic beaches of Bocas del Toro to the breathtaking mountains of Boquete, Panama is an exceptional destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventures, natural wonders, rich history, and authentic experiences.

Expanding International Connectivity

The connectivity of Panama on the international stage continues to grow with Condor Airlines announcing the launch of direct flights between Panama City (PTY) and Frankfurt (FRA) starting in June 2025. This new route will enhance the links between Panama and Europe, offering flights twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays. The service will utilize the A330-900neo aircraft, which accommodates 310 passengers, thereby expectedly increasing the influx of European visitors and fostering new opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism.

Diverse Activities at the Panama Stand

At FITUR 2024, Panama’s stand will serve as a vibrant hub where attendees can immerse themselves in the country’s culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty. Throughout the five-day event, several highlight activities will allow visitors to personally experience the best of this unique destination:

• Gastronomic Experience (January 23 to 25, 2024): Led by Chefs Castrellón and Villaverde, visitors can enjoy tastings that highlight traditional and contemporary dishes reflecting Panama’s diverse culinary landscape.
• 360° Virtual Tour (January 22 to 26, 2024): Attendees will have the opportunity to embark on an immersive virtual journey showcasing Panama’s major tourist attractions, including the Panama Canal and the stunning beaches of Bocas del Toro.
• Cultural Representation (January 24 to 26, 2024): The stand will come alive with traditional dance performances and cultural displays, showcasing the vibrant customs and folklore of Panama.

These initiatives form part of a comprehensive promotional strategy to showcase Panama’s cultural and natural diversity, positioning the country as an accessible, modern, and historically rich tourist destination.