Panama is rapidly evolving as a tourism hub in Central America — combining rich culture, the famed Panama Canal, rainforest and reef ecosystems, world-class air connectivity via Tocumen International Airport, and growing cruise and stop-over traffic.
In 2024, Panama welcomed approximately 2.78 million international visitors, marking a ~10 % increase over 2023.
With investments in connectivity, stop-over tourism and cruise arrival expansion, Panama looks set for further growth.
Key stats: Panama Tourism
- About 2.78 million visitors in 2024 – Panama set a new record, growing roughly 10% compared to the previous year.
- US $6 billion in tourist spending in 2024 – showing that visitors are not only arriving, but also spending in the economy.
- Tourist arrivals up ~11.8% in the first two months of 2024 – early-year momentum is strong.
- Hotel occupancy at around 51.8% in early 2024 – though arrivals are growing, hotel utilization still has room to increase.
- Tocumen Airport served 17.8 million passengers in 2023 – underscoring Panama’s role as a major air-travel hub in the region.
How Many Tourists Visit Panama Each Year?
Panama recorded about 2.78 million international visitors in 2024, a 10 % rise over the 2.52 million in 2023.
| Year | International Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ~2.49 million | Pre-pandemic near-peak |
| 2020 | sharp decline (pandemic) | — |
| 2022 | ~1.95 million | Recovery phase |
| 2023 | ~2.52 million | Further recovery |
| 2024 | ~2.78 million | +10 % year-on-year |
How Many Tourists Visit Panama Each Day?
With ~2.78 million visitors in 2024, Panama averaged around ~7,600 international arrivals per day. (2,780,000 ÷ 365 ≈ 7,615)
Daily arrival volumes vary significantly by season and entry mode (air, land, cruise).
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Panama Every Year?
International tourist spending in Panama was about USD 6.00 billion in 2024, up ~10 % from ~$5.45 billion in 2023.
Other indicators:
- In Jan-Feb 2024, visitor income reached ~$1.023 billion (~+5.6% versus same period previous year).
- Hotel occupancy remains modest; in H1-2024 occupancy averaged ~51.8%.
Which Countries Visit Panama the Most?
Leading source markets for Panama in 2024 included the USA, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Mexico.
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | Largest single market (detailed figure not always publicly broken down) |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | Strong regional source market for Central America |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | Growing short-haul source |
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | Significant regional contribution |
| 🇻🇪 Venezuela | Remittances and travel interplay |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions & Regions in Panama?
Tourism in Panama combines nature, culture, business travel and cruise stop-overs.
| Attraction/Region | Notes |
|---|---|
| Panama City & Casco Viejo | Heritage district, UNESCO recognition, city hotels |
| Panama Canal Zone | Iconic infrastructure, visitor centre at Miraflores |
| San Blas Islands / Guna Yala | Remote islands, indigenous culture, eco-tourism |
| Bocas del Toro Archipelago | Caribbean-style beach tourism |
| Boquete Highlands | Nature, coffee tours, adventure tourism |
| Darién Gap & Indigenous Areas | Frontiers for eco/a-adventure tourism |
| Cruise port hub (Panama City & Colón) | Rising cruise-stop revenue & transit passengers |
| Entry via Tocumen Airport | Connects many long-haul flights, acts as hub |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Panama?
Panama tourism flows year-round, with slight peaks in high season and dips in rainy months.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry season (Dec–Apr) | High | Better weather in Pacific & interior |
| Green/rainy season (May–Nov) | Lower | Rain, but also lower prices and fewer crowds |
| Cruise season | Varies | Caribbean coast & Panama Canal shore visits |
What Are the Biggest Events and Tourism Drivers in Panama?
- Business & MICE travel: Panama City has become a Latin American hub for conferences and trade shows.
- Cruise tourism: Panama is increasingly a stop-over for Caribbean/Atlantic itineraries.
- Nature & eco-tourism: High biodiversity, rainforest lodges, wildlife watching.
- Heritage & culture: Casco Viejo, indigenous cultural tourism across Guna Yala and Darién.
- Stop-over growth: Panama promotes itself as a “hub destination” for longer stays or multi-country trips.
How Much Money Does Tourism Contribute to Panama’s Economy?
Tourism’s direct and indirect impact is significant: ~USD 6.0 billion visitor spend in 2024 and rising, with arrival numbers surpassing pre-pandemic for the first time.
Panama’s strategic location as a connectivity hub and growing investments in infrastructure support this growth.
FAQ – Panama Tourism Insights
How many international tourists visit Panama yearly?
Around 2.78 million in 2024.
Which market sends the most visitors to Panama?
The United States is the largest individual source market, with strong contributions from neighboring Latin American countries.
What is Panama most known for in tourism?
The Panama Canal, biodiversity and nature, UNESCO heritage in Casco Viejo, cruise stop-overs, and multi-arrival connectivity.
When is the best time to visit Panama?
The dry season (December–April) offers the most favourable weather, but the country is visitable year-round.
How much do tourists spend?
Approximately USD 6.0 billion in 2024, up ~10 % from the previous year.
What are top tourism regions?
Panama City and Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal Zone, Guna Yala & San Blas, Bocas del Toro, and Boquete Highlands.
Sources
- TourismAnalytics — Panama Tourism Statistics 2024/2023
- CEIC Data — Panama Visitor Arrivals Data up to Nov 2024
- Panama-Real-Estate.com / Blog — Panama Tourist Arrivals Surge by 8.7% H1 2024
- Travel2LatAm — Panama registered 11.8% increase in Jan–Feb 2024 arrivals
- UNWTO / Investing in Panama — Panama Tourism & Investment Report 2023
- Prensa Latina / PLEnglish — Panama with more tourists, but hotel occupancy rate is low (Mar 2025)
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