Panama City, May 30, 2025 – With growing momentum for social equity and accessibility worldwide, Panama took center stage as a leader in inclusive tourism at the 3rd International Let’s Meet Panama conference. Hosted by Meetings® Panamá, the event brought together over 200 professionals from across the Americas, fostering meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration under the theme “Connecting Social Inclusion and Accessibility.”
Held at the Renaissance Panama City Hotel, this influential gathering provided a dynamic forum to explore how accessibility can be embedded throughout the tourism and events industries, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has already earned recognition as one of the most important regional events in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector for promoting human-centered, inclusive practices.
A Milestone for the Region
This year’s edition of Let’s Meet Panama stood out not only for its growth in attendance but also for expanding its international impact. For the first time, CATA Centroamérica and the Chilean Inclusive Tourism delegation joined the initiative, bringing valuable insights into policy development, infrastructure adaptation, and inclusive service design.
Panelists from respected organizations like PCMA Latam and Fiexpo Latin America shared groundbreaking examples of how universal design, sustainability, and civic engagement can be implemented in large-scale events. Their message was clear: accessibility is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity.
Art, Culture, and Economic Inclusion
Beyond the talks and panels, Let’s Meet Panama created space for expression and empowerment. Attendees were treated to an inclusive artistic gala where performers of all abilities took the stage, proving that culture can truly belong to everyone when presented accessibly.
The event also hosted an artisan and nonprofit exhibition space, highlighting the rich diversity of Panama’s creative and charitable sectors. Local craftspeople and foundations were able to showcase their work and sell products, connecting economic opportunity with social inclusion.
Grassroots Impact: Spotlight on Boquete Handicap Foundation
While national and international efforts are gaining traction, grassroots organizations across Panama have long championed accessibility. A standout example is the Boquete Handicap Foundation (Fundación Pro-Integración), which has been quietly transforming lives for over 20 years.
Based in the mountain town of Boquete, the foundation offers vital support services including physical therapy equipment loans, home modifications, scholarship programs, and job training. Its work reflects the same values championed at Let’s Meet Panama – dignity, equity, and full community participation.
By providing tailored support for individuals with disabilities and their families, the foundation fosters inclusion not just as a concept, but as a lived, daily experience. It serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion and strategy come together.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Patricia Puentes, founder of Meetings® Panamá and the driving force behind the Let’s Meet Panama movement, opened the event by stating, “Inclusion must never be reduced to a trend. It should be a permanent and guiding principle across every aspect of tourism and event planning.”
With support from key institutions like the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), PROMTUR, SENADIS, the Ministry of Culture, and IPHE, alongside private sector allies, the conference successfully reinforced that accessibility is everyone’s responsibility—and everyone’s opportunity.
As the conversation around sustainable and inclusive tourism continues to evolve, events like Let’s Meet Panama not only spotlight best practices but actively shape the policies and mindsets that will define the future.
