Gustavo Him, Panama’s Minister of Tourism recently announced the Panamanian’s government interest in boosting the tourism sector through a $20 million international promotion fund, and is seeking an alliance with Costa Rica to create a multi-destination tourism zone that will be more attractive to tourists, specially those that travel long distances.

“Panama has had a lack of vision due to different administrative opinions, and the (aim of) creating the International Promotion Fund is to have a vision for the country regarding tourism. We’re seeking to establish priorities and have continuity over time,” said Him in an interview with EFE in Costa Rica.

Him held a meeting with Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, Maria Amalia Revelo, to discuss several matters, among them the possibilities of a bilateral cooperation to strengthen the tourism industry in both countries.

One of the main objectives of Minister Him is targeting the Chinese market, “The tourists who come from so far away have a preference for having a multi-destination (package) to get more out of their investment, and possibilities, risks and opportunities and, if it’s good for both countries, we can get started. Such a distant market is not easy, but it’s important to try and get new markets,” he said.

The alliance would also help increase the exchange of visitors between Costa Rica and Panama.

The Ministers also discussed the importance of the World Youth Day in Panama, scheduled to take place between January 22 and January 27, 2019, event that will have the participation of Pope Francis and that is expected to attract a great number of visitors from several Latin American countries; an estimated 100,000 will arrive by land through Costa Rica.