CAF and Panama Tourism Authority build ties to promote sustainable tourism
March 16, 2023
The signing of the document is yet another step in the roadmap to reinforce the strategic partnership between the multilateral bank and the Central American nation and an optimistic bid on the recovery of local tourism indicators, in an effort to converge towards levels seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
CAF—development bank of Latin America—and Panama’s Tourism Authority (ATP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance sustainable tourism, as yet another milestone in the context of the 25th anniversary of Panama’s accession as a full member of CAF.
The instrument was signed by Tourism Minister Iván Eskildsen and CAF representative in Panama Lucía Meza, with CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados acting as a witness of honor.
Eskildsen thanked CAF and reported on plans for the expansion of the Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (PMTS), projected until 2030. He assured the PMTS is a State pledge, and therefore, at the ATP, “we are arranging possible conversations with the different presidential candidates in order to ensure continuity of the plan.”
Meanwhile, CAF representative in Panama Lucía Meza explained that “Panama has taken firm steps in advancing tourism as a State policy, through the proposal of a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (PMTS), reinforced by a continued aggressive investment in infrastructure and logistics, which ensures readily accessible local connectivity, a regional and international spillover effect that leads to economic recovery in areas that foster sustainability; therefore, CAF values and supports this country vision.”
Lastly, CAF Executive President Sergio Díaz-Granados underscored Panama’s positioning as a tourist destination and took the chance to present to the minister the construction project for CAF’s North Hub in the Obarrio area, which he referred to as “a dream to contribute to cultural tourism in Panama City.”
Our cooperation agreement with ATP aims to advance sustainable tourism as a key to improving living conditions in tourist destinations, creating economic opportunities, jobs, and serving as a catalyst to enhance cultural heritage and the environment, as well as reinforcing regional integration and cooperation through tourism.
The parties agreed to explore the possibility of fostering and developing joint projects and actions to bolster the PMTS with technical assistance and funding, in the context of CAF’s action for sustainable development, the impact of the sector on economic recovery with action in the green and blue economy, including joint work with non-governmental entities, the private sector and other international organizations.
The agreement also opens the door to supporting implementation of land use plans, road, port and dock infrastructure projects, and basic clean water and sanitation services in the regions, solid waste management, mapping, and enhancement of green and blue trails, initiatives for beach cleaning and maintenance, ventures for small and medium-sized enterprises, and the chain of tourist services.