Copa to connect Chiriqui and Bocas to U.S. and S.A. in 2011

This had been rumored for some time and now it looks like it may become reality. I have been skeptical because of the lack of tourism infrastructure in Chiriqui and the inadequacy of the existing airport. What makes me hopeful now is the CEO of Copa, Pedro Heilbron, making the statement " that connectivity will be established through the Tocumen airport with routes in the U.S. and South America where there is more potential tourists interested in visiting these two regions. in addition, the David Airport is being significantly upgraded in order to handle larger planes and more passengers in the terminal.

Heilbron goes on to say "We have already begun planning the operation and we are in the process of selection of aircraft and operators with which to develop this project"

There is still the matter of having sufficient accommodations to handle a plane load of tourists, but when the connectivity is there, investors will find a way to make that happen. This is wonderful news for those of us who have made investments into the area. I think we can thank the Tourism manager Salo Shamah for this.

He has also managed to put together some form of Tourist insurance program to the tune of nearly $11 million a year in Premiums. According to the Government website this policy will cover tourist while they are in the country as well as Panamanians when they travel abroad. There are no details on just what is covered. Is it emergency medical and evacuations, life or what? Hopefully these details will be revealed soon. In any case it is a real marketing tool and another idea put together by the tourism manager.