Panama, may 03, 2023 The Panama Convention Center (PCC), through meeting tourism, generates a significant impact on different sectors of the economy in Panama, thus contributing to socioeconomic and tourist development, as it hosts important international events, as was announced. Rodolfo Del Valle, General Director of the PCC during the panel called: Meeting Tourism and its Impact on the Socioeconomic Development of the Country.
For the realization of these three important events, which brought together thousands of delegates and experts from around the world to address issues of global importance, such as climate change, the conservation of marine life and the protection of biodiversity, the PCC hired more of 550 collaborators from different service areas.
In this sense, the more than 550 jobs generated left an impact on the economy of Panamanian families, thereby reducing the unemployment rate and improving the quality of life of the population.
The Panama Convention Center is a key piece in the development of Meeting Tourism or MICE for its acronym in English, not only for tourism and job creation, but also for the opportunity to show the world the beauty and diversity of Panamanian culture, positioning Panama as an emerging destination.
In this sense, during his participation in the panel, the administrator of the Tourism Authority, Iván Eskildsen, pointed out that "Panama has everything to be a leader in the region in the meeting tourism segment: An enviable air connectivity, hotel infrastructure of quality and with recognized brands, a world-class convention center, as well as an offer of unique experiences in our vibrant city combined with our culture and nature that represent a magnet for conventions and international events. And the results are proving it, exceeding expectations with the figures for the new convention center for 2022 and headed for an excellent year 2023”.
While Eugenia Powell, Director of Business Development of PROMTUR Panama stated that: "Due to its importance for the country, from PROMTUR Panama we have worked hard and strategically, with the objective of attracting international events and congresses to Panama, through an incentive plan and program to attract events that in 2022 generated an economic impact for the country, estimated at 85.4 million balboas. This year, Panama will host events such as FIEXPO Latin America, to be held from June 16 to 19, and the World Robotics Olympics, to be held in November. Both events will take place at the Panama Convention Center, an opportunity to demonstrate, once again, that we are the best destination for meeting tourism in the region."
It is important to note that holding international events at the Panama Convention Center promotes different sectors of the country, such as hotels, gastronomy, commerce, transportation, among other support services. One of the most impacted sectors is tourism, since each participant who arrives in Panama to attend these conferences requires transportation, lodging and food services, to name a few.
"Our commitment is to be able to continue promoting the tourism of meetings and conventions as a motor of change for Panama in different sectors and to promote in the best way the creation of jobs for all Panamanians, being generators and promoters of a circle of progress for the country. . For this reason, we feel very proud to be chosen as the venue for such high-profile and world-class events, such as: the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (COP Cites 19) , Our Ocean 2023 and the Annual Assembly of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)”, said Rodolfo Del Valle, General Director of the Panama Convention Center.
For her part, Kenelma Mendoza, President of the Panamanian Association of Congress, Exhibition and Related Professionals (APPCE), added that "Panama has the tools needed to compete internationally and receive large events that make it a destination attractive and emerging in our region. At APPCE, we bring together the best professionals in the meetings and events industry in Panama. We work hand in hand with PROMTUR and the ATP to position and promote the country internationally.”
Another sector that benefits from Meeting Tourism is the technology and innovation sector. The conferences and exhibitions that take place require technological tools that allow or offer innovative solutions, which can attract investment and business opportunities.
In addition, these events also have a positive impact on the education and research sector, due to the exchange of knowledge and experiences with the local academic and scientific community.
The PCC seeks the implementation of advanced technologies that improve the visitor experience and allow a more efficient and sustainable management of its facilities. This includes the incorporation of renewable energy systems, the implementation of advanced information and communication technologies, and the creation of intelligent infrastructures that allow efficient management of resources and the reduction of environmental impact.
On the other hand, it is important to highlight that, at the end of 2022, the Panama Convention Center generated more than 3,702 direct and indirect jobs for the realization of local and international events, which left an economic benefit of $800,000, thus promoting a circle of progress for Panama.