Panama’s consumer protection agency has launched an investigation into a company that promoted an artificial snow park experience, an event canceled just days after opening following widespread public complaints. The Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition Defense (Acodeco) initiated an on-site verification at the Snowland Panama venue in Casco Antiguo, Panama on December 24 after customers alleged the reality did not match the highly-produced online advertisements.
Snowland Panama officially canceled its event in a statement posted to its Instagram account on Friday, December 26. The attraction had opened on December 23 and was scheduled to run until January 7, 2026. It promised activities like tubing, skiing, flying snow, light tunnels, and themed photo areas. Attendees who purchased presale tickets, however, found the physical installation in a warehouse on Calle 12 Este fell dramatically short of the promotional videos, which officials later indicated used artificial intelligence-generated imagery.
Official Inspection Finds Discrepancies
The national director of Consumer Protection, Saúl Jaramillo, led the inspection team to verify conditions at the event. Acodeco’s departments of Advertising Truthfulness and Verification assessed the correspondence between what was promoted and what was actually offered to the public. Agency officials subsequently cited the event organizers to begin formal administrative procedures.
“We want to inform in a clear and transparent manner that the Snowland Panama event has been canceled,” the company’s statement read. [Translated from Spanish]
The statement claimed the organizers’ goal was always to deliver a real, well-executed experience that matched the advertising. They acknowledged the event ultimately failed to operate as announced. Acodeco confirmed it has received eight complaints so far, though no formal claims have yet been registered through official channels. The agency continues to gather information from affected consumers.
Company Cites Supplier Issues for Failures
In its social media explanations, Snowland Panama detailed specific operational failures. The company stated an ice skating rink could not be operational on time due to delays attributed to external suppliers. A cold room with granulated ice was built but also not ready for the opening date, which compromised the intended visitor experience.
Significant and verifiable investments were made during setup according to the company. These included general infrastructure, a ski ramp, specialized technical equipment, and contracts with national and international providers. The provider responsible for the ice rink is now in a process of refunding the company’s investment, Snowland’s statement noted.
Public skepticism grew online even before the opening. Internet users on various platforms warned the event might be a scam, noting its sudden location change from Los Pueblos to the historic district. Ticket prices reportedly ranged from $15 to $75. The planned December 27 performance by artists Samy and Sandra Sandoval had initially lent credibility to the promotional campaign for this event.
Panama’s Authority for Consumer Protection and Competition Defense (Acodeco) enforces laws against misleading advertising. Companies found guilty of deceptive practices can face substantial fines and mandatory compensation orders for consumers. The agency’s prompt verification visit underscores its mandate to act on consumer alerts regarding potentially fraudulent business activities.
Refund Process Underway Amid Scrutiny
Snowland Panama says it is now organizing and validating a refund process. The company pledged to manage reimbursements in an orderly, responsible, and transparent manner. Each customer will be contacted individually to confirm their case and the corresponding procedure, according to the official communication.
The swift closure highlights the growing challenge regulators face with online promotions that may not reflect reality. Digital advertising allows for sophisticated visual presentations, sometimes creating expectations physical venues cannot fulfill. This case has prompted broader discussions about consumer due diligence when purchasing tickets for novel experiences heavily marketed on social media.
As the investigation continues, Acodeco will determine if the evidence supports the empresa inform claims of supplier failure or if the venture violated consumer protection statutes from its inception. The agency encourages all affected customers to file formal complaints to aid their administrative process and to seek restitution.