The Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City (also called Casco Antiguo) is “one of the hippest barrios in Latin America,” according to a recent article in the Guardian. The article describes the growing popularity of Panama’s capital city as one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Latin America. Once a stopping off point for tourists visiting the Panama Canal, Panama City is now becoming a base for tourists due to its bustling nightlife, close proximity to both Pacific and Caribbean beaches, and access to unique tropical ecosystems teeming with biodiversity. Panama is also gaining a reputation as a cultural center in Latin America, particularly in the realm of music. Local bands have begun to receive more regional attention throughout Latin America, in addition to a thriving jazz scene in and around Panama City.
This article highlights many of the strengths in Panama’s growing tourism economy. Given the level of media attention the country is receiving in the United Kingdom, due in part because of the scandalous ‘canoe man’ incident, and the upcoming James Bond film, it is likely that tourism from the United Kingdom and Europe will likely increase. Given Panama’s currency’s ties to the dollar, it is almost certain that the country will increasingly gain attention from European travelers for the foreseeable future (or until the euro and the pound begin to lose value to the dollar).
