If you’re planning an upcoming trip to Panama, you can travel feeling a little safer. Panama has just introduced a new program  that provides emergency medical insurance for tourists during the first 30 days of their stay.

Panama provides the service through the distribution of cards. All visitors who arrive  at Panama City’s Tocumen airport, can pick up a user card from the tourist information center. If an accident takes place during their visit, they simply have to present this card, along with their passport to receive care.

The insurance covers accidental death (up to $20,000,) hospitalization, medical expenses (up to $7,000,) and dental emergencies (up to $2,000.) The policy is provided by the insurance company Assicurazioni Generali, which has a contract with the government through next two years.
The insurance still won’t cover accidents due to negligence, caused by drugs or alcohol, or that resulted from extreme sports.

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Canopy Tower Triumphs Again and Again

Puts Panama on the Map for Nature and Birding

You and Your Family Should Go

Congratulations to Canopy Tower and Raul Arias de Para. His amazing Canopy Tower has won more accolades than any other Panama tourism destination.

It doesn’t stop. Among other articles, Canopy Tower was recently featured in Newsweek magazine which has the largest circulation of any news magazine in the US.

Raul is now promoting nature experience tours.

If you and your family haven’t  yet  been to Canopy Tower, I recommend it.  It’s  the best nature experience in Panama and according to the international press, one of the best in the world.  It’s also close- less than an hour from Panama City.  www.canopytower.com Nancy

Recent Press About Canopy Tower

Going to the Birds

Newsweek November 2010

Today, a stay at the Canopy Tower is one of the premier ecotourism experiences in the world

Canopy Tower can be described only as a place where everyone falls in love with birds

You emerge through a hatch onto the observation deck, a dazzling 360-degree open-air walkway around the dome that provides a panoramic view of the rainforest canopy. Birder, bird watcher, nonbirder—on that deck it doesn’t matter, because the birds are all there, right in front of you at eye level. It is impossible not to be drawn in. My mom and I saw scores of avian species, but also howler monkeys, sloths, tamarins, all kinds of bats and butterflies—as well as freight ships making their way through the Panama Canal—without taking more than a few steps one way or another.

Los Angeles Times

One of the top 14 hotels in the world

The scene: Nirvana for birders and jungle junkies in the forest at Soberania National Park.

New York Times: October, 2009

Open the window of your room and probably less than 40 feet away are hundreds of bird species. “It’s incredible that you have such wilderness so close to the city

Some bird-watchers were saying that here, in a matter of days, they had seen as many species as they had in many other countries on many different occasions combined. The diversity is amazing.”

The Fodors 2010 Choice Award

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Red Frog Beach Resort is now one of Panama’s most attractive beach and eco-destinations.  To start it is on Red Frog Beach- arguably the most beautiful beach in Panama. What a view with its crashing waves, fringe of rainforest, white sand and deep azure waters. Secondly, Red Frog Resort  is the only place in Bocas where tourists can experience the Bocas del Toro  rainforest with their new Bastimientos Sky Canopy Zipline adventure which takes you up a lush jungle trail and then zipping through the jungle on 7 tree based ziplines, plus a ropes course, tarzan swing and an optional  high platform rappel.

I loved the plexiglass on wood signs on the zipline trail with info about Bastimientos  flor and fauna- the best signage I have seen anywhere in Panama.

The resort offers two extremely attractive lodging options. For the young and the budget mined, you can stay at the Bocas Bound Hostel with a dorm space for $13 or a suite for $100. The upscale choice and the gorgeous, fully equipped private  villas. The villas are ideal for a family, a romantic couple and for a surfing group with room for up to 7. They have amazing ocean and island views.

The staff is attentive and fun.

The restaurants are also a major attraction. One is Kayucos, with American favorites food and reasonable prices. It’s part of a large social area that is a big hit with families- a pool table, ping pong table, lots of board games, hammocks and  a free movie nightly. To top it off it has island views and fresh breezes.

The second restaurant Punta Lava is right on Red Frog Beach- good American food, an ample bar  and unbeatable beach  views.

Many kinds of tours are offered from the canopy zipline, to a cave tour to fishing. There is good to excellent  surfing near by- some places within walking distance.

The resort is  managed by a smart team in a sustainable, eco-friendly way so as not to disrupt the delicate ecology system  on Bastimientos Island.

Check it out at www.redfrogbeach.com

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Lonely Planet, one of the most prestigious tourism publications, just selected Panama’s Kuna Ayala Islands aka the San Blas Islands,

Panama rated # 3

I agree. These islands some of the most beautiful in Panama and part of their attraction is the natural simplicity- simple comfortable thatch roof accomodations and  nothing modern. It is a special kind of refreshing not to see or be near any cement, glass or steel for a few days.

Here’s the scoop from Lonely Planet

3. Kuna Yala, Panama

Look up ‘tropical paradise’: there will probably be a picture of the Kuna Yala archipelago. These small islands (also known as the San Blas Islands) are part of the semi-autonomous territory of the Kuna people and feature palm trees, gorgeous beaches, thatched huts and timeless charm. Big business hasn’t gained a foothold because the Kuna rule the roost, with a series of laws to preserve the natural environment. So no ugly hotels spoiling the view and no package tourism polluting the vibe, just plenty of uninhabited islands to explore.

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The Panama Planner Wins First Place in Colombia

Thanks  to all of  our Panama Planner Sponsors!

The Panama Planner is a sister business of Panamainfo.com

The Panamanian tourist publication, The Panama Planner, has just won in Colombia, one of the most sought after prizes for print media in Latin America-the top prize in the category Best Tourist Guide of the Year in 2009-2010, from the Association Industry Colombian Graphic Communication-

“We are very proud that The Planner Panama has won this prestigious award in Colombia, the leading country in Latin America in graphic arts”, says Nancy Hanna, founder and president of The Panama Planner.

The Planner Panama was founded in 2002.

“This award is special because of our design team Panamanian - Kira Morelos and Julie Walls Salt and pepper, to your printer, Panamericana de Colombia and the support of our sponsors.”

For more information contact:

The Panama Planner

http://www.panamainfo.com/

Email: info@panamainfo.com

Nancy Hanna
President and Founder
Panamainfo.com
The Panama Planner
Email: info@panamainfo.com
Tel: 315.0609/Cel: 6676.0349

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Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqNe6bEpmss

Martinelli says he has seven corporate CEO in his cabinet.

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Paperless Panama/ Panamá sin papel

The government of Panama is working with Microsoft to make Panama one of the first countries to digitalize all government transactions.

This project was presented at Panama’s recent Competivity Forum Oct. 19th at the Playa Bonita Intercontinental Hotel.

The National Innovaction Authority aims to accomplish this by 2012. 50 million dollars have been designated for this project.

Even though Panama is a so-called underdeveloped country, this digitalization will increase efficiency and reduce corruption, enabling Panama to jump ahead in development.

Panama’s education system is also working with Microsoft to create online training for teachers, provide teachers and students with laptops and improve education in general- a critical intiative since Panama’s public education system is one of the weakest in Latin America.

The digitization of transactions will save the country an estimated 25 million a year.

Also, in 2011, the  private sector will soon be able to make tax payments online-  saving money by elimination  countless hours of private sector time. Until now tax payments had to be made with certified checks.

The Martinelli government deserves congratulations for using innovation to develop Panama more quickly, more cost effectively and more effectively.

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Remarks by Nancy Hanna, Chair, American Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee.Sept. 9, 2010

Buenas Tardes. I am especially pleased once again to have Mr. Shamah here- our highly active and highly effective tourism minister. Hardly a week goes by when I don’t hear about some new thing you  have done to make  tourism happen.

I’m really excited about today’s program - Let me especially mention  Panama’s handicrafts queen Agnes Santomeno of Reprosa- who has raised our souvenirs to a world class level,   and Andrew Coate’s debut today of La Ruta Verde- the most exciting eco-project I have ever seen..

Today before our very eyes Panama is transforming itself to meet its historic destiny- to be the capital of the Americas. Panama’s destiny was first recognized by Simon Bolívar who called the first hemispheric conference- the Congress of Panama in 1826.

Fast forwarding to 911- 911 speeded up Panama’s destiny.  Until 911, Miami was the de-facto capital of the Americas-both Latin America and the Caribbean- you know- the place you all liked  to go for meetings,  to shop, to have fun and take that side trip to Orlando.

 911 ended Miami as the capital of the Americas. Why? Because companies in Latin America could not get visas to the USA for their people to attend meetings with consistency. If they needed to send 10 people to a training- they maybe 6 got visas. ( Just one example- Our own president of Amcham Don Elder was in Miami, with Caterpillar when could not get visas for trainings in the US- He recommended that Caterpillar set up a region HQ and training center in Panama- that training center which will need 12,000 hotel nights a year, just broke ground  last month)

 Panama has is now fulfilling its destiny to be the business capital of the Americas with its strategically central location, the most modern and safe capital city in the region, direct flights to more than 60 destinations and a long history as a business center and crossroads.

In line with Panama’s destiny, President Martinelli has the goal to make Panama the best place in Latin America to do business. Plans include a large convention center on Panama Bay between Casco Viejo and Amador.  Due to the incentives of  Law 41. More than 100 companies including such giants as Proctor and Gamble and Samsung set up their headquarters in Panama

So naturally, today most of our tourists are businessmen and that’s good.

But there is another Panama- one that is blessed with extraordinary natural attractions- “so beautiful you could cry”  rainforests, islands, oceans  and mountains with a flor and fauna that is one of the richest in the world and we have the Smithsonian to prove it! 

In tourism, our greatest challenge is to balance the business growth, with actions to preserve the priceless treasure of Panama’s nature- not only for tourists to enjoy, but for the long term health and happiness of future generations. Amcham is committed both business development and the preservation of nature.  

Enjoy today- let’s learn and let’s work together for both successful and sustainable tourism.

Nancy

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President Martinelli has signed an Executive Degree that all foreigners who do not require a visa- this includes all American and European citizens, effective now will get an automatic 180 days stay in Panama upon entering the country. Foreigners who enter Tocumen Airport are  receiving this 180 stay.

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Our family just enjoyed  a truly  sumptuous meal including our hard-to-please older kids (age 19 and 21) . Eurasia is one of our favorite Panama City restaurants.  Why? First, because it’s because of the creative fusion cuisine. Eurasia  fusion means a bit of Asia, a bit of Panama ( the owner is Chinese-Panamanian)  and a bit of Europe- yummy.

It is hard to say which dish was better- my husband’s ginger corvina, my sour plum spare ribs, my son’s chicken malay and our daughter’s vegetarian pie.   These are all unique dishes with a combination of flavors hard to find anywhere else.

Second,  we love Eurasia is because of the  all-you-can-eat dessert buffet. If you love dessert- this is the place. For just $7.50 you can feast on the best carrot cake in Panama a rich chocolate cake more like a dark fudge, a delicious three leches (Panama’s most exquisite dessert)  plus pecan pie, flan, etc.

Third,  we love Eurasia  because of the decor- Eurasia has one of the best decors and ambiences in the city.

Owner Gloria Chu learned the joy of food at her own family table as a child.  Her joy in giving others joy through food permeates the Eurasia experience.

Nancy Hanna, President Panamainfo.com/The Panama Planner

Euroasia is located in Bella Vista.

It is open:Monday-Friday, 12:00pm-3:00pm and 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
Saturdays, 7:00pm to 10:00pm.
Sundays, closed.

Tel: 264-7859

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