Panama discovers
Europe (or vice versa)

By: Milagros Vallecillos

Although Panama’s attributes as a tourist destination are virtually unknown in Europe, there is evidence that things are starting to change. A clear example of this is seen at Hotel Decameron, the country’s most successful beach resort, which during the country’s dry season (January-April) receives a charter flight with 140 French tourists on board each week.

"The only thing our European visitors hear about Panama prior to their arrival is the Canal, thus ignoring the great number of attractions they are now discovering", said Mr. Leonardo González, the hotel’s General Manager."

In all, the resort’s European tourists constitute an important segment of the 500,000 visitors Decameron receives each year.

Most European visitors at Decameron hail from France and Italy, the numbers of which are increasing each week –a fact that confirms the growing acceptance of both the Decameron and Panama in the Old World. "We are opening doors we once thought were difficult to open. I believe we’re on the right path", said Mr. González.

During a recent visit to the resort, The Visitor met Mauro F., an Italian tourists who has visited Decameron four times so far. Mauro, who has spent at least two weeks at the hotel each time, said he’s fascinated with the beauty of Panama and the resort’s excellent service

"I love the warm climate and friendly people of this country", said the Italian tourist, who now considers himself an expert on the Panama Canal and a number of locations in the country’s interior provinces.

Mauro learned about Panama through his travel agency as he searched for an exotic place to spend his vacations. However, he said that little is heard about Panama in his country. "Panama is ‘paradise on earth’, but the country needs to promote itself better abroad", he commented.

Decameron’s "Guinness Clients"
In its relatively short history (the facility opened in December, 2000) the resort has developed what its executives call the "Guinness List" –a group of clients with an outstanding number of bookings or long stays.

Such is the case of Mr. Jimmy M., a Turkish-Canadian citizen from Montreal who has visited the hotel no less than 68 times along with his wife.

"This country is simply wonderful, especially its people. I’ve been able to meet the rich and the poor here and they are all very open with visitors. I can’t prevent myself from coming back", he said.