Isthmian Update

Some of the news in Panama

James Bond heads for Panama

Part of the next James Bond movie, “Bond 22”, will be filmed in Panama. Judy Dench´s character "M" is "Off to Panama!" according to the actress. Unofficial reports are unclear whether Panama will double as "somewhere in South America" or if the storyline involves an actual trip here, but the country will surely be credited for the beautiful Caribbean Coast where the shooting is said to be taking place.

Copa’s profits soar

Profits are up at COPA. At the trimester end on September 30, Panama´s international airline saw 21% increase in accumulated profits since the same date in 2006. This pushed their NYSE stock value up 5% to $34.44. The company predicts another increase in 2008, between 17% and 19%.

COPA Airlines has added the 37th airplane to their fleet. The 94-seat Embreaer 190 is their 11th acquisition from the Brazilian manufacturer and comes equipped with wing extensions or "winglets" to improve flight and reduce fuel use. The airline has the youngest fleet on the American continent with an average of 3.7 years per plane. COPA offers 126 flights daily to 40 destinations in 21 countries in North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean. The other 26 planes in their fleet are made up of Boeing 737 Next Generation jets.

Grupo Pijao launches exclusive residential project in city

Her Excellency Gina Benedetti, Colombian Ambassador to Panama cuts
the ribbon at the inauguration of Costa Sur Club Pijao.
From left to right: Paola Pinilla, Directora Comercial Grupo Pijao; azafata;
Sr. Marcel Bonnet, Vicepresidente de Planeación y Proyectos Grupo Pijao;
Honorable Embajadora de Colombia, Gina Benedetti; Clemente Malka; azafata.

The well-known real estate developers Grupo Pijao recently inaugurated the model home of their newest project, called Costa Sur Club Pijao. The exclusive private estate, with 198 homes, will be surrounded by green areas. Near Panam City´s Corredor Sur, the residences will be close to shopping centers, restaurants, supermarkets and medical services.

The Group has been in real estate development for over thirty years and is especially proud of this new urbanization which promises to balance the flavor of home with contemporary styling, inviting nature inside through large windows. The common areas include adult and children's pools, complete spa, jacuzzi, spinning room, club house, ballroom, children's play area, ecological paths, tennis court, mini golf and lounge.

The Pijao Group's master broker in Panama is Quality Investments.

Ruben Blades’ legacy to the industry?

IPAT starts work on long-term tourism master-plan

An ironclad master-plan for tourism whose implementation will be safe from whims of future politicians for the next 13 years was launched this week. This is the legacy which Tourism Minister Ruben Blades hopes to leave to the industry.

At a meeting at Atlapa Convention Center to which many business leaders were invited, Blades introduced a team from Europraxis Consulting which will launch their study into all aspects of tourism in Panama.

During the next six months, an independent group of specialists, along with members of the public and private sector will gather recommendations and guidelines resulting in a Master Plan for the Development of Sustainable Tourism 2007-2020. This "Plan Maestro" will be unveiled to IPAT in February. Mr. Blades outlined the long term social benefits stemming from the continuity of a 13 year plan.

Political tradition
Panamanians know the tradition: with each new president, national objectives are redirected. Blades wishes to create a government office to see that the Plan Maestro is carried out regardless of the next president of the republic. In short, a strategic and operative long term national plan to define the allocation of public funds, according to Plan Maestro International Director, Juan Manuel Ribera Frias of Spain.

"Tourism erases political borders," stated Plan Maestro consultant David Porras. Certainly this should be so. To instate this policy Mr. Blades will have to use something comparable to a constitutional amendment to leave his plan and its subsequent office untouchable until 2020. "Ley Organica" is currently applied to entities like The Canal, Social Security, Education and The University of Panama. Under this mechanism, a new presidency cannot close The Canal or double tuition at the National University.

Mr. Blades is convinced that having a contiguous plan is key for Panama´s tourism industry and it´s sustainability. Securing the proper administration of assets like pristine national forests, exotic species and virgin islands as well as making a strong social commitment is essential, he feels.

Panamanians to benefit
Mr. Blades also explained how he wants Panamanians to benefit from the opportunities offered by tourism, in addition to the employment created. Investment capital would be provided to citizens based on their capability and willingness to contribute to the tourism industry and the positive analysis of their area for sustainable tourism development. The creators of Plan Maestro envision a web of small and medium tourism offerings with authentic flavor. The benefits of tourism will be felt directly in the communities where the activity is taking place, resulting in a better experience for the tourist.

But the scope is wider than giving back to the community. New international and national airstrips, road development and special zoning will change the face and affect value in Panama forever. Allocating funds and incentive programs, international marketing campaigns and controlling quality gives great authority to the proposed Plan Maestro Office.

February debut
Plan Maestro will reportedly be making certain disclosures and taking suggestions before its preliminary February debut. Certainly the public will be interested to see what opportunities it will hold for them. Count on skeptics too, wondering if such planning is not too much predetermination for Panama´s tourism industry. Many will want to know how much room is left for adaptation in the future and who will be calling the shots. In any case, this move will be the high spot in Mr. Blades´ political contribution to his country, even if the results are judged a decade after the end of his term as Minister of Tourism.

Government goes green: energy saving bulbs

A plan to change 1.6 million light bulbs in 800,000 homes across the country should produce returns on the $5 million dollar investment in a matter of only 17 months. The objective is to motivate citizens to save energy.

All government entities will switch to energy-saving bulbs, contributing to the $3.3 million the government saved since a similar plan last year.

Leaders of the plan want to change public habits. "When people see that by changing their bulbs they will pay less electricity, people will be motivated to continue buying the bulbs that guarantee them savings on their bill." said Energy Secretary Kuzniecky.

At last!

GPS system for driving in Panama

Driving in Panama is about to get a whole lot easier thanks to the country's first GPS system which has been introduced by the company Panama-Zone. Instead of getting lost in the maze of the city, refer to the digital map showing you where you are and giving you directions to get to your destination.

The product includes locations of gas stations, restaurants, banks, hotels and places of entertainment from Chiriqui to Darien. Users can program their own maps as well as listen to voice prompts to keep them on track while keeping their eyes on the road.

If users currently have a Garmin GPS in Panama, the Panama-Zone is happy to add just the street maps to the device. Visit www.panama-zone.com.

Lifeflight Panama

Helicopter medical service to start operations in Panama City

A Bell Ranger 3 helicopter of the type to be used by Lifeflight.

In January of next year, LifeFlight Panama will begin operating the first medical helicopter in the country, offering emergency medical and air ambulance services and will be based in Panama City. The aircraft will be a Bell LongRanger III.

Service will be supported by membership subscriptions and a foundation will enable flight for humanitarian and commercial purposes as well. Five percent of profits will be dedicated to a fund for the Children's Hospital and life saving missions for children in Panama.

Ninety percent of the republic will be accessible including the return flight to Panama City without any need to refuel, while more remote areas such as Bocas del Toro, Volcan and as far as Costa Rica or Colombia will require refueling.

Visit www.lifeflightpanama.com or Call (+507)-340-6270 or 6272.

Dubai-Style island project raises hackles

Aproposal to build a mega Dubai-style artificial island in the Pacific is raising many questions. Project promoter Carlos Llamas maintains that the $2.4 billion dollar project, planned to sit on concrete supports over the seabed is economically, environmentally and socially viable. Backed by Spanish and French capital, the project called Panamarina Pacific, would cover 400 hectares and extend south of Veracruz near the entrance to The Canal, taking the shape of the Panamanian flag.

Panamarina Pacific would incorporate 231 high-rise buildings, an 18 hole golf course, marina, hotels, malls, casinos, a congressional palace and single family homes. The idea of a cruise ship port is still under consideration. The promoters assure they are working with experienced experts on the project which will be joined to the mainland by a 3.5km highway bridge over the sea.

Llamas states that the project has been well received by President Torrijos and that permits are being processed. They are negotiating with the government through presidential advisor Luis Blanco. "We propose that the government give us the marine area and in exchange we give $300 million dollars in infrastructure to the community of Veracruz." said Llamas.

National development planner, Alvaro Uribe, criticized the project as a bad joke on the community. He says promoters are using enthusiasm for tall buildings to project a science fiction dream. "Technically it can be done, but the costs are very high," he said.

Concerns regarding environmental effects were addressed by Llamas. He said that European technology will be used for a water treatment plant for his proposed community as well as neighboring Veracruz. Waters inside the flag's border would not become stagnant either thanks to a system of dikes that would allow water to circulate.

The environmental impact study is under way and will be presented to the National Environment Authority soon. "Of course it will have an impact, everything has an impact." said Llamas, also pointing out that the positive and negative effects have to be weighed. The study, he predicts, will report only a minuscule effect.

As part of his $300 million commitment Llamas will give the community of Veracruz 2500 homes, transportation, a hospital, and public schools.