Panama has opened the 2025 call for Empreturismo, a national program designed to support small tourism businesses and local talent. The initiative is led by the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the City of Knowledge Foundation.

The program is free and open to people such as artisans, tour guides, small business owners, and anyone with a project related to tourism. Applications can be submitted at www.empreturismo.com until September 15, 2025.

To qualify, participants must present an idea or existing small business linked to tourism. Projects will be reviewed for innovation, potential for growth, and community impact. Those selected will receive training and financial support to help their ideas grow.

Where it will take place

Empreturismo 2025 will focus on eight destinations across Panama:

• Boquete, Tierras Altas, and Gulf of Chiriquí

• Bocas del Toro (Changuinola, Almirante, Chiriquí Grande)

• Santa Catalina, Montijo, and Mariato (see Mariato here)

• Pedasí (discover Pedasí here)

• Ruta del Folklore (Guararé, La Villa, Las Tablas)

• El Valle de Antón

• Portobelo

• Taboga

What the program offers

Selected projects may receive non-repayable funds between $5,000 and $15,000, as well as workshops and mentoring. The goal is to create opportunities for small businesses such as:

• Family guesthouses

• Local restaurants

• Community guides

• Rural circuits connecting cultural and natural attractions

Gloria De León, head of the Tourism Authority, explained that Empreturismo is about making tourism more inclusive and sustainable, while showing off Panama’s culture and nature.

Why it matters

Many rural and coastal communities have natural beauty and cultural traditions but lack resources to promote them. This program gives residents the chance to turn those assets into real opportunities.

David Pérez from the ATP said the idea is to help people who want to start small businesses and give them tools to succeed. Local leaders, like the mayor of Mariato, say the timing is perfect since many communities are eager to share their natural and cultural riches with visitors.

The bigger picture

With Empreturismo, Panama hopes to:

• Create new jobs in rural areas

• Diversify tourism beyond big hotels and cities

• Strengthen cultural identity across the country

For many communities, this could mean a new path toward steady income and stronger local economies.

Written on August 31, 2025