Panama’s tourism authority and Copa Airlines have significantly expanded a key travel incentive program for 2026. The Panama Stopover program now allows international passengers to stay in the country for up to 15 days without any extra airfare cost. Officials aim to attract 250,000 visitors this year by transforming Panama’s geographic position into direct economic growth.
The program’s enhancement follows a successful 2025, which saw 215,000 tourists use the stopover benefit. That figure represented a 25 percent increase from the previous year. The new 15-day limit doubles the previous maximum stay, a move designed to encourage exploration beyond Panama City and increase tourist spending across the country.
Official Endorsement of Tourism Strategy
Gloria De Leon, the General Administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, directly linked the program’s expansion to broader economic benefits. She explained how longer stays positively impact the entire hospitality sector.
“The fact that the program goes from 7 to 15 days offers greater opportunities for tourists and generates a direct impact on the hotel sector,” De Leon said. [Translated from Spanish] “With a greater number of days, tourist spending increases, hotel occupancy rises, and opportunities grow for tour operators and travel agencies. The entire value chain benefits.”
Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines, reported a strong start for the initiative this year. He noted first-quarter program engagement is already running 30 percent above previous levels. The airline operates the program through its hub at Tocumen International Airport, often called the Hub of the Americas.
Driving Tourism Beyond the Capital
A central goal involves decentralizing tourism. Approximately 25 percent of passengers landing at Enrique Malek Airport in David, Chiriquí Province, now arrive via international connections. To meet this growing demand, Copa Airlines has increased seat capacity to the region by 40 percent.
It currently operates three daily flights to David, with a fourth added on weekends. This connectivity channels tourism revenue into provinces known for adventure and ecotourism. The strategy directly supports regional economies and reduces pressure on the capital’s infrastructure.
Heilbron also announced a fleet-wide upgrade to enhance the passenger experience. The airline will implement high-speed Starlink satellite internet across all its aircraft by October 2026, with service beginning on some planes in July. This investment specifically targets digital nomads and business travelers who require reliable connectivity.
“In an environment where competition for connectivity is increasing, maintaining that capacity is fundamental for Panama,” Heilbron stated. The airline connects to 88 destinations in 32 countries, positioning Panama as a viable work and travel gateway.
International travelers using the stopover benefit primarily originate from Argentina, Ecuador, the United States, and Brazil. Copa Airlines plans to soon extend the Panama Stopover program to its European airline partners. Passengers must request the stopover at the time of ticket purchase and issuance to receive the benefit at no additional airfare cost.
Panama’s integrated approach leverages its national airline and geographic hub status as tools for sustainable development. The stopover program is now a cornerstone of its international tourism promotion, explicitly marketed alongside the country’s diverse destinations. The 2026 target of 250,000 visitors represents a calculated step in a long-term strategy to boost tourist arrivals and spending through strategic aviation policy.