{"id":14034,"date":"2026-06-16T07:17:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T12:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=14034"},"modified":"2026-06-15T16:28:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T21:28:44","slug":"tourism-groups-condemn-panama-prison-reactivation-on-coiba-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/travel-tourism\/tourism-groups-condemn-panama-prison-reactivation-on-coiba-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Tourism Groups Condemn Panama Prison Reactivation on Coiba Island"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tourism chambers in Veraguas and Mariato have publicly rejected the government’s decision to reactivate a high-security prison on Coiba Island<\/strong>. The move threatens to damage tourism development and environmental conservation in the UNESCO World Heritage site. Officials confirmed the transfer of 29 high-profile inmates to the facility this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Veraguas Tourism Chamber called the action an “outrage” in an official statement. The group argued that national security should not come at the expense of the province’s main economic driver. Hundreds of families in coastal communities depend on tourism for their livelihoods. The chamber also backed the Ministry of Environment’s position that the measure could violate environmental regulations and international commitments made by Panama. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local leaders expressed fury over the lack of consultation. The Mariato Tourism Chamber stated the decision was made without prior discussion with local communities. These communities have protected the area’s natural resources for years and rely on ecotourism and sustainable tourism. Both organizations stressed that Coiba Island<\/strong><\/a> has become an international destination because of its biodiversity, tranquility, and ecological value.<\/p>\n\n\n

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old coiba prison<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Prison Plan Threatens Economic Progress and Environmental Protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tourism representatives warned that converting a World Heritage site into a prison could create a negative perception among foreign visitors. This would reduce tourist arrivals and hurt hoteliers, business owners, and tour operators. The groups noted that Law 44 of 2024 already contains provisions about the old Coiba prison facilities and their administration once penal use concludes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Panama tourism impact<\/a> could be severe if the plan moves forward. Coiba has grown into a premier destination for divers and nature lovers. The island’s pristine waters and dense jungles attract thousands of visitors each year. Local businesses have invested heavily in infrastructure to support this growing sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Converting a World Heritage site into a penitentiary center could generate a negative perception among foreign tourists. This would affect visitor arrivals and harm entrepreneurs, hotel operators, and tourism service providers. We ask the National Government to revoke this initiative and open a dialogue table with local stakeholders. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The tourism chambers formally requested that the government reverse the decision. They called for a dialogue table with local actors. They demanded guarantees for the protection of natural heritage and sustainable economic development along the Veraguas Pacific coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>