Pedasi Tourism, Investment on Upward Trajectory
It's no surprise Panama is currently having a bonanza of a year in tourism. Not only does the country boast pristine beaches, picture perfect rainforests and virtually no travel time between the two, Panama's transit and telecommunications infrastructures are outstanding. As an affordable, yet exotic place to travel, these modern qualities are placing Panama leagues ahead of other Central and South American vacation destinations.
One region in particular – Pedasi, in the Los Santos province, situated on the Central Pacific coast of Panama -- is making significant economic gains as a popular tourist destination. The rich campesino tradition of the Los Santos province, growing corn, sugar cane, rice, coffee and raising livestock, offers visitors a welcome respite from the bustle of Panama City, only about 4 hours away by car.
Idyllic, picturesque, unbroken: these are the words often used to describe the landscape of of the Azuero Peninsula, on whose south end sits Pedasi. The rustic coastline is dominated by rolling fertile hills, which slope gently toward the Pacific. Air temperature never really drops below 74 F and . Visitors often draw comparisons to the South of Spain, or a variant of Tuscany.
Coastal access through Los Santos is well-paved and well-signed, and townships have neatly planned, well-maintained streets. Virtually every town has a point of wireless Internet and one never has to travel too far for a cash dispenser. Coastal architecture is a charming mix beteween colonial Old Spain and the province’s residents take pride in their towns and locals are always inviting of foreigners, even welcoming them into their own homes on occasion.
Pedasi is receiving its fair share of Panama’s booming influx of visitors. Panama's Tourism Authority notes a steady growth of about 200,000 more annual visitors a year; and tourism in the country is expected to peak at about 2 million visitors in 2010. Because tourism makes up about 12% of Panama's GDP, and because Panama uses the US dollar system, Panama's been able to safely ride out the international recession.
"Panama's yet to make its tourist mark, but it's something that's happening quite fast," said the General Administrator of Panama's Tourism Authority, Salomon Shamah. Though Mr Shamah's expectations are still a ways away from being reached, he said foreign investment and infrastructure are two factors which are contributing enormously to the country reaching its goals.
Toward that end, Mr Shamah and the Ministry of Tourism celebrated the inauguration of scheduled Aeroperlas flights into Pedasi, which are expected to generate a significant rise in tourism activity, and further attract investment into the area.
Located at the tip of the Azuero Peninsula, Pedasi is a veritable tourist playground. One can go hiking, birdwatching, sport fishing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The nearby capital of Las Tablas is famous for its traditional carnival parties, annual fiestas with a rich history dating back more than 200 years. With crime rates being some of the lowest reported nationwide, foreign investment in the area is on the rise. Along the coast, a number of luxury developments -- both residential and tourist -- are in final stages of completion, including Andromeda Ocean Estates, a spectacular beachfront community just minutes from the town of Pedasi.
As one of the most desireable beach towns in the region, Pedasi is growing at a strong, yet controlled pace. With a regional landing strip, internationally-acclaimed surf breaks, and world-renowned sport fishing, Pedasi is presenting itself as the "it" destination of Panama's Pacific.
With the new 7-8 year, $5.4 billion Panama Canal expansion plan approved, a spike in investment in the area will soon be seen -- not only in Pedasi but across the entire Azuero Peninsula. Retirement and eco-tourism investment opportunities are presenting themselves on a daily basis in the region.
