Travel Agent - July 7, 2008 - (Page 43)

BELIZE, COSTA RICA AND ARGENTINA ARE ARGUABLY the three-headed monster of Latin American tourism. And, although they dominate now, it took all three destinations a good 10-year span to be the giants they are today. Now, experts are predicting that Panama could join those three popular Latin American hot spots within a few years. “It’s not [in the same category as] Belize or Costa Rica just yet because there’s still some developing that needs to be done in Panama,” says Joyce Horowitz of Altour Travel, a Signature Travel Network member with offices in New York. “But every year, I’m seeing more and more bookings there and think it won’t be long before it’s on everyone’s radar.” Hotels The 330-room El Panama (www.elpanama. com) is in the heart of the country’s banking district on the main avenue of Panama City. Recently renovated, it’s the prime location for clients looking to do some shopping and dining, because it is in walking distance from some of the destination’s best shops and restaurants. The Country Inn & Suites (www.country inns.com/panamacitypan) is a budget-friendly option for your clients; it offers great rooms at an affordable price. It is located at the Pacific entrance to the Canal at Fort Amador and has 159 rooms that all include balconies. Clients who prefer boutique hotels should look into Hotel De Ville (www.devillehotel. com). This intimate property only has 33 rooms, all with king-size beds, and—like El Panama—is only a few minutes from the city’s main avenue, Calle 50. For a deluxe hotel, we recommend Intercontinental Miramar (www.miramarpanama. com), a 25-story glass tower that overlooks the Bay of Panama and has 202 rooms. If your clients are more beach-oriented, we recommend one of the following properties: Royal Decameron (www.decameron.com) has 600 rooms and sits on Playa Blanca, about 50 miles west of Panama City; Coronado Golf & Beach Resort (www.coronadoresort.com) on Playa Coronado, is perhaps the best of Panama’s ABOVE: A rendering of a guest room at Breezes Panama, set to open in early 2009 OPPOSITE: A breathtaking view of a sunset, as seen from the Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa in Panama City On the Map Here is what you need to know when your clients express an interest in Panama. The Republic of Panama is located in the center of the Western Hemisphere, bordering the Caribbean Sea and east of the Republic of Colombia. To the south is the Pacific Ocean and to the west is the Republic of Costa Rica. Panama, in fact, is the link between Central America and South America and could be a great spot for a perfect five-day getaway or the starting point of a two-to-three-week Latin American adventure. beach resorts, with 78 suites, its own golf course, tennis courts and a spa; and Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa (www. playa bonitapanama.com), 30 minutes from Panama City, is perfect for clients looking for a deluxe beach resort and has 300 rooms, five pools and three restaurants. Perhaps Panama’s most luxurious hotel is the Panamonte Inn & Spa (www.panamonte.com) in Boquet. The city of Boquet is called the “City of Eternal Spring” and is where some of the best coffee in the world grows. Whitewater rafting, bird watching and horseback riding takes place here as well. The 16 guest rooms at the Panamonte Inn & Spa include the recently renovated El Fresal cabin, situated just across the road. This cabin is perfect for families or groups. Other rooms include Standard, Superior, Garden Cabins and a Honeymoon Suite. In the Works There are many new hotels either already under construction or in the planning phases, but perCONTINUED ON PAGE 44 July 7, 2008 TravelAgent | 43 http://www.elpanama.com http://www.elpanama.com http://www.playabonitapanama.com http://www.countryinns.com/panamacitypan http://www.playabonitapanama.com http://www.countryinns.com/panamacitypan http://www.panamonte.com http://www.devillehotel.com http://www.devillehotel.com http://www.miramarpanama.com http://www.miramarpanama.com http://www.decameron.com http://www.coronadoresort.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - July 7, 2008

Travel Agent - July 7, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Europe: History and a Scenic Landscape Define Normandy Pacific/Asia: Kuala Lumpur Offers Luxury Shopping and Hotels Hawaii: Honolulu’s Nightlife is as Dazzling as its Sunshine Canada: VIA Rail Offers a New Way to Enjoy the Great North Las Vegas: Hotels and Casinos Away From the Strip Florida: Hilton Daytona Beach Offers Budget-Friendly Packages Central & South America: Panama is Poised to Become a Hot Destination Mexico: The ME Cancún Targets an Upscale Clientele Caribbean: Maxim Opens a New Resort in Puerto Plata The Latest News and Notes from Dominica Cruises: A CLIA Study Offers Good News About Cruising Cartagena and Santa Marta Offer Two Different Sides of Columbia Cover Story: Wendy Goodenow Industry In Crisis: A New Report Offers a Gloomy Forecast for the Airline Industry Hotels: Prince Edward Island Celebrates Anne of Green Gables EZGuider: Vacation.com Launches a New Platform Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Opinion Consortia Can Be An Agent’s Best Friend MLT Expands Roles and Offerings Malaysia Continues Agent Push In the Spotlight Agent Access Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - July 7, 2008

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