Panama received 999,934 international visitors during the first quarter of 2026, according to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Census, known as INEC. The result represents a 17.3% increase in visitor arrivals and places the country close to the one-million-visitor mark in only three months.
The figures were presented by Gloria De León Zubieta, general administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, during a meeting with tourism sector representatives, media and industry leaders. According to the ATP, tourism activity generated more than $2 billion in economic movement during the first quarter of the year.
De León said Panama closed 2025 with approximately three million visitors and attributed the early 2026 results to international promotion strategies, stronger airline partnerships, digital positioning and improved air connectivity.
Copa Stopover and Airline Partnerships Support Growth
One of the programs highlighted by the ATP was Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover initiative. Through April 2026, the program had grown 37% compared with the previous year, surpassing 88,000 visitors.
The Panama Stopover allows travelers connecting through Tocumen International Airport to spend time in Panama before continuing to their final destination. For the tourism sector, this is important because it helps convert Panama from a transit hub into a destination where visitors stay, spend and explore.
The ATP also noted that PROMTUR Panama is using microtargeting campaigns aimed at travel agencies and international wholesalers. More than 2,500 agencies are participating in the digital strategy, which has generated more than 14,000 incremental passengers and increased participating agency sales by more than 20%.
Key markets include Colombia, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Germany and France, along with partnerships involving Copa Airlines, Expedia, Despegar, Hotelbeds, Air Europa, Aeromexico, Royal Caribbean and eDreams.
Meetings, Congresses and Conventions Add Another Layer
Panama’s meetings and conventions sector also showed strong activity in the first quarter. According to the ATP, more than 38 events were held during the period, generating over $20 million in economic impact through hotel stays, transportation, restaurants and visitor activities.
For 2026, Panama has 86 confirmed and incentivized events, including World of Coffee and the ICCA World Congress. These events are projected to attract more than 58,000 international visitors.
This segment is especially relevant because business and convention travelers often spend more per trip and support a wider range of services, from hotels and restaurants to local transportation, shopping and short-term rentals.
Tourism Growth Reaches Beyond Panama City
The opening of the Azuero Convention Center was also highlighted as part of a broader strategy to decentralize tourism opportunities and bring more economic activity to the interior of the country.
That matters for areas such as the Azuero Peninsula, where communities like Pedasi, Playa Venao and Cambutal have already seen growing interest from visitors, residents and investors. The sitemap for Casa Solution includes these community pages and many other Panama real estate locations used to connect readers with area-specific information.
The United States remains Panama’s top source market, followed by Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador. The ATP also reported increased arrivals from Europe, especially Spain, Germany, France and Italy.
Potential Impact on Property Markets
Tourism growth does not automatically translate into higher property values everywhere, and investors should be careful not to overread one quarter of data. However, stronger visitor numbers can support certain real estate segments over time, particularly in areas with established tourism infrastructure, good access and a growing service economy.
In Panama City, convention tourism and business travel can help sustain demand for hotels, furnished rentals and centrally located apartments. In beach and lifestyle destinations, increased tourism can support short-term rental activity, hospitality businesses and demand for second homes.
In interior destinations, the impact will likely depend on infrastructure, road access, local services and the consistency of visitor flow. Areas like Pedasi, Playa Venao and Cambutal may benefit from broader tourism promotion, but each market should still be evaluated property by property.
For expats and investors, the key takeaway is not simply that more tourists are arriving. It is that Panama is working to strengthen the systems behind tourism, including airline partnerships, digital promotion, convention infrastructure and visitor confidence through the announced Tourist Insurance program.
A Positive Signal for Panama’s Wider Economy
Tourism touches many parts of Panama’s economy. Hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, shops and local service businesses all benefit when visitor numbers rise. If the current pace continues, 2026 could become another important year for the country’s tourism sector.
For buyers considering Panama, stronger tourism performance may add confidence, especially in areas where lifestyle, rental demand and long-term development are already part of the appeal.
Casa Solution Real Estate helps buyers, sellers, investors and expats understand Panama’s property market with local knowledge and professional guidance. Contact Casa Solution to explore homes, land, beach properties and investment opportunities across Panama.
Date written: May 17, 2026
