The Panama Tourism Authority has placed the spotlight on Colon province’s natural and cultural treasures. The International Tourism Forum 2026, organized by the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (Apede), brought together officials, business leaders, and tourism representatives this week. Their goal was clear: showcase the Caribbean coast’s potential to both the nation and the world.
The forum highlighted attractions in Costa Arriba and Costa Abajo, two distinct regions of Colon province. But beneath the discussion of pristine beaches and economic growth, a deeper concern emerged. Security issues in the province have become a central talking point for industry leaders.
Security Concerns Take Center Stage at Tourism Forum
Gloria De León, administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority, acknowledged that safety remains a critical factor for travelers. She insisted Panama still ranks among the safest destinations in the region. Visitor numbers have shown steady growth over recent months, she added.
“What happened is unfortunate, but it is important to reinforce the actions of the National Police,” De León said during her presentation. [Translated from Spanish]
The administrator’s comments came amid rising questions about how violence in Colon could affect the country’s tourism image. The province serves as a major entry point for cruise passengers and international visitors.
Local Leaders Call for Greater Awareness of Colon’s Tourism Potential
Domínico Medina, president of Apede’s Colon chapter, made a striking observation. Many residents of Colon themselves do not fully grasp the tourism opportunities available in their own province. He stressed that local belief in these opportunities is essential for attracting both domestic and international visitors.
“Colon has beauties that even some residents of Colon do not know about,” Medina stated. [Translated from Spanish]
The forum also addressed Colon province security concerns as a barrier to growth. Participants discussed how to balance public safety measures with maintaining an open, welcoming environment for tourists.
Mayor Galván Outlines Plans for Tourism Infrastructure
Colon Mayor Diógenes Galván participated in the forum and detailed ongoing projects. One key initiative involves building a tourism information center at Batería Morgan, a historic site in the city. Galván acknowledged that insecurity presents a real challenge for Colon.
“A highly restricted city cannot be an offer for tourism,” Galván said. He revealed that he held meetings with the Ministry of Security just over a month ago to address the situation. [Translated from Spanish]
The mayor argued that strategies to combat crime must find a balance. They cannot disrupt urban dynamics or ruin the experience for visitors exploring the province.
Cruise Tourism Expected to Boost Colon’s Economy This Weekend
The forum took place amid positive expectations for the sector. More than two thousand cruise tourists are expected to arrive at the Colon 2000 port this weekend. Many will travel to various tourist points across the country from there.
This influx of visitors represents a significant economic opportunity for the province. The Panama cruise tourism sector has shown resilience despite broader security concerns in the region.
Industry leaders hope that the image of Panama’s Caribbean beaches, culture, and history will ultimately overcome the worries surrounding the province. The Costa Arriba region in particular offers wildlife refuges and untouched coastal areas that appeal to eco-tourists.
Tourism officials plan to continue these conversations. They aim to develop concrete strategies that address both security and promotion. The message from the forum was clear: Colon’s potential is immense, but realizing it requires coordinated action from government, business, and local communities.
