- Panama hosted 1.76m international visitors in first half of 2026
- Arrivals rise 17.4pc year-on-year
- Tourism generates estimated $3.5bn in economic impact
- Hotel occupancy reaches 67.6pc
- Tocumen International Airport handles 11.53m passengers
Panama has welcomed 1,755,998 international visitors in the first six months of 2026, a rise of 17.4pc on the previous year. Tourism generated an estimated $3.5bn in economic impact. Hotel occupancy reached 67.6pc up 14pc year on year while 74 international events attracted more than 113,900 participants. Tocumen International Airport handled 11.53m passengers up 15pc.
A primary driver is Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover programme which saw a 37pc growth in the first half of the year. This initiative incentivises transit passengers at Tocumen International Airport to step out and explore the country. Panama has positioned itself as a regional hub for congresses and conventions. The country hosted 74 international events during the first semester bringing in over 113,000 business travellers.
Backed by marketing investment by the Panama Tourism Authority and Promtur campaigns targeted priority markets across the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. Average hotel occupancy climbed significantly to 67.6pc during the first six months. While major activity remains centred around Panama City, charter flights and regional updates are driving traffic further into the interior like Boquete and Pedasí.
