Panama received more than 1 million visitors as of September, 2008
This is the first time ever that the 1 million tourist mark was reached in 9 months. Panama is a quickly growing tourism destination attracting business as well as pleasure travelers.
Air France opens up 5 weekly trips from Panama to Germany beginning December 2008.
Currently, the airline offers 3 weekly trips along this route. Panama was chosen because it also is serviced by KLM. 50% of travelers on this route arrive in Panama and go to other destinations, principally Costa Rica. "There is no doubt that Costa Rica is the most attractive destination in the region" said a spokesperson for Air France.
Air France expects growth on this Panama-Germany route despite the economic crisis.
HP will open services in Panama
The U.S.A. firm Hewlett Packard (HP) announced the opening of operations center in Panama for the next year.
In accordance with the press release of the company, Panama was selected due to his strenght in technology information infrastructure and his wide offer of qualified human resource.
From Panama, HP will bring services in call centers and business outsourcing, like payroll, finances, accounting and information technologies.
HP hopes hire hundreds of people during 2008 and more than 1.000 people for 2009. " This center will bring new clients, employments, and an important investment in human resource for panama" said Martín Castillo, HP Centralamerica and the Caribbean General Manager.