Unlikely current events have been fueling a sharp increase in British tourism in Panama; the ongoing investigation of John Darwin, the infamous ‘canoe man’ who faked his death and fled to Panama, as well as the upcoming James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’ (filmed in part in Panama) have brought attention to the country, kindling a recent spike in tourist activity. According to an article in The Times, one of Panama’s largest tour operators in the UK has seen an increase in sales upwards of 249%.
John Darwin, who has become notorious for faking his own death while on a solo canoe trip, fled to Panama with the hopes of opening an eco-lodge in the country. The ongoing investigation of Darwin and his accomplice wife has unintentionally brought a great deal of publicity to Panama and the eco-tourism industry in the country.
The timing of the buzz around John Darwin has also coincided with the filming and promotion of the upcoming James Bond film “Quantum of Solace.” The movie (which has yet to be released in theaters), was filmed in parts of Colon and Casco Viejo, and has spurred tour operators to create “James Bond” tours that visit locations from the film, and hotels that Bond actor Daniel Craig stayed in.
While I don’t find it all that shocking that the John Darwin story has spurred an increased interest in vacationing in Panama (I mean, if someone fakes their death to move to Panama, there must be something appealing about the country.. right?), I am surprised that the upcoming bond film, which has yet to be released, is bringing tourism into Panama already. I imagine once the film is released it will provide another bump to the tourism industry in Panama, although this will likely depend on how the region is portrayed in the film (as Colon is meant to represent Haiti in the film, not Panama itself), and whether or not the latest Bond installment is as successful as its most recent predecessors.
Con artist John Darwin has unintentionally boosted tourism in Panama
Source:
Canoe Man and Bond boost Panama tourism (TimesOnline.com)
