A new digital discount program has launched in Panama with a clear goal. The private sector initiative aims to make international visitors stay longer and spend more. More than 50 local businesses, including major hotels, are backing the project.
Officially called a digital coupon book, the platform aggregates exclusive offers from restaurants, shops, and cultural sites. Its core strategy involves offering these discounts as a packaged value-add. Travelers must book through authorized international agencies to gain access.
Project organizers explained the program is a direct response to global tourism competition. They want to enhance Panama’s appeal beyond its famous canal and natural landscapes. “This tool strengthens Panama’s value proposition as a tourist destination,” a project representative said. [Translated from Spanish]
The immediate requirement for tourists is a minimum four-night stay. Partners are funding all discounts directly, with promoters acting as the bridge for international tour operators. An initial evaluation is planned after six months to assess the program’s impact on visitor behavior.
Building Partnerships for a Broader Appeal
Seventeen hotels affiliated with the Panamanian Association of Hotels (APATEL) have joined the effort. Their participation is considered crucial for gaining wide tourist adoption. The program is already being promoted at international tourism fairs as a key differentiator.
Benefits vary by establishment but follow specific patterns. Some offers include two-for-one promotions or added credit for on-site consumption with set limits. Others provide percentage discounts at museums and key attractions. The structure is designed to encourage exploration beyond a hotel’s walls.
“We are linking tour operators, wholesalers, and international travel agencies to market this product effectively,” a project manager stated. [Translated from Spanish]
This channel strategy ensures the digital wallet reaches its target audience before they arrive. The approach turns the discount package into a booking incentive from the start.
Measuring Success in a Competitive Market
The six-month pilot phase will generate critical data. Organizers will track redemption rates and average spending increases from participants. They also plan to survey tourist satisfaction with the bundled offers.
Success could lead to a significant program expansion. More local businesses are expected to join if early metrics show increased visitor duration and expenditure. The ultimate goal is making Panama a more compelling and extended stop for travelers touring the region.
Industry analysts note the strategy’s clever use of existing infrastructure. By utilizing a familiar digital wallet model, they lower the barrier to tourist participation. The requirement to book through partners also simplifies distribution and quality control.
Final decisions on the program’s future will depend on that half-year of data. Project backers express optimism, citing the collaborative nature of the venture. They believe a unified private sector front can effectively shift tourism patterns for the entire country.