What Happened
The Panamanian Association of Hotels, known as APATEL, voiced concern this week over recent criminal incidents in Panama City, including cases in areas with heavy tourist traffic. The group said the events could harm how international visitors view Panama as a safe destination.
APATEL stressed that security is a core part of tourism. In its view, each incident affects not only residents but also years of work by the public and private sectors to build the country’s reputation with foreign travelers.
Why Security Matters for Tourism
The hotel association said tourism is especially vulnerable to safety concerns because visitor confidence can be shaken quickly. According to APATEL, a single incident can have effects that go beyond the immediate event, influencing the reputation of the destination and its ability to compete with other markets in the region.
For Panama, that warning matters because tourism depends heavily on trust. Travelers choose destinations not only for attractions and business opportunities, but also for the feeling that they can move around safely in hotels, tourist districts and other high-traffic areas.
What APATEL Wants Authorities to Do
APATEL called on authorities to take immediate steps to strengthen security in tourist zones, hotel districts and places where visitors gather. The association recommended more preventive police presence, stronger intelligence efforts and faster responses when incidents occur.
The group said these measures would help protect both Panamanians and foreign visitors. It also said the private sector is willing to work with the state on joint security strategies.
Broader Impact on the Country
The hotel sector framed tourism confidence as one of Panama’s most valuable assets. APATEL said the country cannot afford to fall behind on an issue that now plays a decisive role in how travelers select destinations.
The concern reflects a wider reality for Panama’s tourism industry: perceptions of safety can influence hotel bookings, visitor spending and the country’s standing in a competitive regional market. When crime affects busy commercial or tourist areas, the risk is not limited to isolated neighborhoods; it can shape the broader image of the capital and the country as a whole.
APATEL’s warning adds pressure for visible public safety action in places where tourism is concentrated, especially in Panama City, where many visitors begin their stay in the country. For the hotel industry, keeping those areas secure is essential to protecting both business and Panama’s international reputation.