From left to right: Carl-Fredick Nordstrom, Deputy Manager of IPAT; Jaime Campuzano, new Chairman of CAMTUR; Ana Royo; Cesar Tribaldos; Mercedes Brown; Fidel Reyes; and Eduardo Márquez, former Chairman of CAMTUR.

Jaime Campuzano, a member of the Panama's Convention Bureau, was recently elected chairman of the Panama Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR). Mr. Campuzano's one-year term will be shared with Mr. Fidel Reyes (Vice-president), Mrs. Gloria C. De Velásquez (Secretary), Mr.Roberto Domínguez (Treasurer), Mr. Enrique Pesantez (Fiscal), as well as Mr. Ernesto Orillac, Ms. Ana Royo and Mr. Elias Menacho (members)

Founded in 1986, CAMTUR is Panama's largest private-sector tourist organization, encompassing a number of airline, hotel, airline, tour operator and convention associations. The entity works along with the public-sector Panama Government Tourist Bureau (IPAT) in international marketing campaigns, the organization of training seminars and tourism fairs, among other activities.

Mr. Eduardo Márquez (left) administers the oath to Mr. Jaime Campuzano, new Chairman of CAMTUR.

The Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort.

Everything is ready for the grand opening of Playa Bonita Beach Resort, scheduled for December 15.

This new, all-inclusive facility is the first in the Panama City metro area. It was built by Empresas Bern (the parent company of the Miramar Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, and Gamboa Resort, among other hotels). The project is located in the former U.S. Army base of Ft. Kobbe, near the western entrance of the Panama Canal and approximately 8 km. from downtown Panama City.

The opening of the new hotel coincides with the arrival of the high tourist season in Panama, which extends until mid-April

View of Hotel Caesar Park, Panama City. The month of December is the beginning of the tourist "high season".

The Panamanian Hotel Association (Asociación Panameña de Hoteles –APATEL), the Tourism Police and a number of private security organizations have joined forces to reinforce security measures during this holiday season. The decision was also motivated by to the rise in terrorist attacks on tourist destinations in other parts parts of the world in recent months.

The measures will include increased police vigilance (especially during weekends and holidays), and personnel training on suspect identification.

Although Panama is considered one of the safest tourist destinations in the region (The Pinkerton Agency recently gave Panama high marks on safety and security), visitors will need to exercise greater caution during this time of year due to the increased number of shoppers on the streets and malls.