Panama Protests: Tourism Takes a Hit as International Alerts Rise

Protests in Panama's Veraguas Province Trigger International Tourism Alerts Protests in Veraguas, Panama, have prompted international travel advisories and significant cancellations in the tourism sector. The unrest has led to closures of tourist sites and businesses, causing considerable economic disruption. TVN Noticias reports that the Veraguas Tourism Chamber is currently taking stock of the situation, assessing the number of cancellations and the overall financial impact. "We are reaching out to the relevant authorities and other sectors to find a way to solve this problem and prevent the province from suffering economically," stated Gustavo Ruiz, Vice President of the Veraguas Tourism Chamber. He highlighted the widespread effect on various tourism-related businesses, including boat operators, guides, and local artisans. While precise figures are still being compiled, the impact is undeniable. International travel advisories are already in place, urging caution and potentially discouraging travel to the region. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Panama's tourism industry to political and social instability. Despite the challenges, the Veraguas Tourism Chamber emphasizes that many tourist areas remain open, and efforts are underway to ensure a swift resolution and minimize further damage to the local economy.