Growth projections for 2009 and 2010 Very Positive Outlook-

The World Tourism Organization rates PANAMA as one of the top performers in tourism results for 2008. Central America managed to grow by almost 8% despite global recession. The growth has a sustained for Panama with an average rate of 12% per year between 2004 – 2008, 1,609,699 visitors entered Panama in 2008, and 211,472 more tourism traffic than in 2007. The Panama Tourism Authority reported that tourism spending totaled $2.2 billion, and 23% more than in 2007, which represents 12% of Panama’s GDP of $18.6 billion last year. Hotel occupancy was at 79% average with a 9 day average stay. The projections for 2009 are 1.8 million visitors and 2 million for 2010, + 200,000 more visitors per year.

Excellent Business opportunities, the Business Center Capital of Latin America, beautiful beaches on two oceans 50 miles apart, Nature, great Caribbean weather, safe, friendly people, easy access, US dollar no exchange rates, tax incentives for investors, favorable asset protection laws, and ranked the best " guy-getaways" destination in the World by the press, is among the top reasons that Panama is so attractive for business travelers today.

Panama is next to Costa Rica, enjoys the same weather, rainforest, rich natural diversity, beaches, surf, but with a very cosmopolitan city and rich business environment. Panama is on U.S. Eastern standard time, same time as Miami, Atlanta, and New York. A direct flight from Miami is only two hours, thirty minutes, 2.5 hours. Airfares Miami International airport are as cheap as $251 - $321 on American Airlines, and Continental, depending on your booking requirements and itinerary flexibilities.

Panama has direct daily flights to & from Miami, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Dallas, Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles, serviced by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Spirit, Continental, COPA, as well direct flights to major cities in Latin America and Europe, serviced by KLM, and IBERIA.

PANAMA 2008 TOURISM FACTS

• PANAMA Tourism Growth since 2004 – 2008 is + 12% on avg.
• 1,609,699 tourist entered Panama in 2008.
• Panama Tourism Authority projects 2 million tourist arrivals by 2010.
• U.S. visitors lead the list of countries visiting Panama, with 308,991 visitors in 2008.
• U.S. visitors in 2008 grew by + 19.6%
• Hotel occupancy rates average: 79% occupancy rate, one of highest in the World.
• Hotel occupancy rates grew by + 12%
• Total nights sold in Panama last year: 2,522,595 hotel nights.
• Average stay is 8.9 days
• Tourism sector created a total of 129,200 jobs for Panama in 2008.
• Crimes involving tourist was at a LOW 0.04% , Panama is a very SAFE country.
• European travelers arrivals are at all time high due to direct flights increasing.

For MORE TRAVEL, BUSINESS, and PANAMA REAL ESTATE go to www.ThinkPanama.com

HOT DESTINATION in PANAMA - PEDASI in the AZUEROS Peninsula

The Azueros Peninsula is located on the Pacific coast of Panama just one hour flight from Panama City, and only a two and half hour flight from the Pacific coast beaches. The Azueros coastline has a rich natural diversity in flora, fauna, and marine life. Some of the best Surfing in the World is found on beaches on Azueros like Playa Venao and Playa Cambutal. Also in this region some of the best saltwater fishing in the world is found. Pedasi is a small charming country town with a lot of history 5 minutes from the town of Pedasi is Playa La Garita a beach surrounded by nature and natural reserves like Isla Iguana. It is common to see humpback whales swimming off of this coast. The beaches in Pedasi are sanctuary to sea turtles that come from hundreds and thousands of miles to lay their eggs and give birth. The sea turtles are protected by law in this area. Pedasi offers incredible beaches, natural beauty, a charming country town, surf, fishing, rivers, horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling, bird watching, whale watching, aquatic sports, 4 wheeling, and full breaths of some of the freshest purest air on the planet.

Now you can own a 10,000 sq. ft. lot in Rancho Pedasi for only US $50,000, a beach community 200 yards from Playa La garita, 5 minutes from the charming town plaza of Pedasi. 100% financing is available. For more information and for a PDF Brochure contact us at: info@thinkpanama.com, US Direct 407 641-5747, in Panama 260-4000, blackberry global reach + 507- 6676-8904, view the Rancho Pedasi Beach Community.