Panama’s consumer protection agency recovered nearly a quarter of a million dollars for travelers last year. The Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Panama) resolved 81 formal complaints against hotels and vacation package providers in 2025.
Consumers filed claims totaling $391,855, according to the agency’s annual data. Officials stated that a lack of clear information from companies caused the majority of the financial losses.
Thirty-two complaints, representing over $253,000 in claims, cited insufficient or misleading information. Other major grievances involved unfair contract terms and failures to deliver promised services. The agency’s statistics section confirmed a long-term trend, with over 2,150 cases and $8.7 million in claims logged against the sector since 2006.
Consumers Recover Funds Through Official Complaints
Despite the high total claimed, the authority successfully mediated 50 cases in the consumer’s favor. This intervention led to the recovery of $243,942 for affected travelers. The remaining complaints were either resolved between the parties, dismissed, or remain under investigation.
In a statement, the Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Panama) emphasized the importance of pre-purchase diligence. Agency officials urge customers to scrutinize all terms before signing any vacation agreement.
“We recommend reviewing each clause carefully before signing a vacation contract,” a senior agency official said. [Translated from Spanish]
The agency’s guidance forms a core part of its public consumer protection mission. Their advice aims to prevent common pitfalls that lead to formal disputes.
Proactive Steps for Travelers
Potential vacationers can take several steps to avoid problems. The authority’s first recommendation is a thorough, deliberate review of the entire contract. Every service condition, restriction, and cost must appear in writing.
Officials also warn travelers to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. These promotions often hide unfavorable terms in the fine print. Consumers should never provide credit card details or financial data unless they feel completely secure about the transaction.
The release of this data coincides with peak vacation planning periods. The agency hopes its report will lead to more informed consumer choices and fewer disputes in the coming year.