As a follow-up to the growing debate around short-term rentals in Panama, the country’s hotel association (Apatel) is turning up the pressure on lawmakers to regulate platforms like Airbnb.
Yovanna Segarra, Apatel’s president, emphasized that hotels are operating under stricter tax and safety standards while competing with an expanding pool of unregulated short-term rentals. From 2023 to 2025, the number of available Airbnb-style units has jumped by 24%.
Segarra noted that hotels in Panama aren’t overpriced compared to regional markets, yet they pay a 10% tourism tax that most short-term rentals avoid. The group isn’t calling for Airbnb to be banned, but rather for rules that ensure fair competition, accountability, and tourist safety.
One key concern is the lack of oversight, which Segarra believes is damaging Panama’s image as a secure destination. Apatel has submitted proposals to shape an upcoming law currently under review in the National Assembly.
As the conversation continues, Panama joins a growing list of countries exploring how to modernize tourism laws in a way that balances innovation with regulation.
Written on: August 3, 2025
