Panamainfo’s Blog

Folks,
Below are the comments I made about Minister Ruben Blades in his presence at the Sept. 11th American Chamber of Commerce Tourism Forum at the Sheraton attended by 380 persons.

Panama is very, very fortunate to have had Minister Blades as tourism minister these crucial years. I don’t know anybody else who had the clout to get done what needed to be done. See below for details.

Nancy

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Blades for all he has achieved for tourism.

If Panama was to become a major tourism destination, the government had to do certain basic things. First IPAT had to become an independent, professional authority- with all the powers a tourism authority needs. Minister Blades you accomplished that. Secondly, Panama needed a professional, comprehensive tourism master plan, one that would not be thrown out with each change of government. Minister Blades you accomplished that. Third, IPAT needed a system where substantial funds for a promotional budget are available every year without stopping. Minister Blades you accomplished that. Among your many other accomplishments, you solved the tour operators’ decades long transportation problem and you created a more lean and mean and professional IPAT office. Because of these institutionalized accomplishments, the government of Panama for the first time is in a true position develop and promote tourism.

We didn’t see you at too many social events…You used all your enormous energy, personal celebrity, moral authority, your sharp business skills and your artistic genius to create an IPAT that could do its job. I have heard so many really interesting stories of the things you have done behind the scenes to help tourism projects that would be good for Panama.

And perhaps most importantly you haven given Panama a modern day example of a true patriot. To be tourism minister these five years, you sacrificed your music career and millions of dollars in personal income. I am told this is unprecedented in Panama’s history. Thank you for your sacrifice, your example, your accomplishments Minister Blades.”