A never-before-recorded growth in the number of hotel rooms in Panama has occurred in the last four years. Thanks to investments totaling US$2,053 million , the country has seen an increase in capacity of 73%.
It is estimated that by 2013 Panama City will reach a total of 17,392 rooms, this based on the current growth and taking into account that in 2010 the inventory of rooms was 10,000.
Some of the most representative chains around the world have set their eyes on this country to develop their hotel projects there, such is the case of Hilton that currently has five hotels totaling about 1,200 rooms, two of the five establishments are in operation and the others are close to opening.
Regarding this issue, the president of the National Tourism Council indicated that for the country the arrival of large chains is very positive, since the level of attention rises and attracts tourists with high purchasing power.
For its part, the international hotel chain Marriott also expanded its presence in the country. In addition to expanding its main complex – Marriott Hotels Resorts – to total 389 rooms in the banking area, the chain manages two hotels under the Courtyard brand and the Marriott Executive (formerly Finisterre).
This company decided to set its eyes on a beach project, the Marriott Casamar, which will have a total of 180 rooms and will be located in San Carlos.
Although the tourist movement of that country is positive with 1.2 million travelers in the first half of 2012, this figure has not been enough to fill the hotel capacity that Panama has today, even taking into account mid-range hotels.
