Panama’s new president aims to emulate DR’s tourism success

Santo Domingo.- The new president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, and Dominican Republic President, Luis Abinader, have agreed to strengthen ties and establish a cooperation agreement to boost Panamanian tourism.

Mulino seeks the Dominican Republic’s support to emulate its successful tourism development, which saw a record 10.3 million tourists in 2023, a 21% increase from 2022. “Panama has everything to develop tourism, but we have been stagnant for 10 years. Now we need to create jobs and fill hotel rooms,” Mulino said. His government plans to promote international conventions through specific incentives and other measures.

Abinader expressed readiness to advise Panama on tourism strategies, highlighting effective incentives. “We are willing to help and advise, we have a very good team,” Abinader said.

The two leaders also discussed aviation, economy, trade, and migration. Their meeting in Panama City took place hours before Mulino’s inauguration as president for the 2024-2029 term, an event attended by King Felipe VI of Spain, and the presidents of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, and Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves.

During the inauguration, Abinader also held bilateral meetings with Honduran President Xiomara Castro and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves, discussing the strengthening and expansion of bilateral relations and international policy. Mulino, Castro, and Chaves committed to visiting the Dominican Republic on August 16 for the swearing-in ceremony of President Abinader’s new term.