QUICK TAKES

Panama, Summer Hotel Occupancy
In An Upwards Trend

By Will Irvine

The Panamanian summer is finally here. The dry season with its clear, blue skies, serene emerald and turquoise seas and warm breeze, is in the air and the beach is the favorite cooling down destination. Hotel occupancy rates reflect a big upsurge for the end of 2009 and the summer months of 2010. An 80% occupation rate is expected during this summer.

In August of 2009 the occupancy rate hovered at around 56.4% well below the 70.9% registered for August 2008 but starting in December 2009 until April 2010 the occupancy rate should soar. The dry season traditionally goes from December until April, although this year with the El Niño wreaking havoc on the climate it is expected to last a bit longer. Occupancy rate for this season in 2007 was 65.6%, in 2008 66.8%, and if forecasts are correct the 2009-2010 occupancy rate might be 80%.

In the interior of Panama, meaning the beaches and hotels all the way up to Chiriquí, the hike in occupancy rates was noticeable since early December. Many report being booked solid, 100% occupancy, from late December to January 6. This is the case with Hotel Bahai in Bocas Del Toro. In the Playa Blanca Hotel the occupancy for the last two weeks of December until the first week of January is also 100%. Various hotels in El Valle are also expected to have 100% occupancy for these same weeks.

Just as a reminder for those who wish to take advantage of the glorious climate and the beautiful beaches; Panama has multiple options for lodging throughout the interior from US 35.00 a night to US 250.00 a night. There is something for everyone.

If you like the road a little less traveled you might try the beaches in Chiriquí especially the area of San Felix where the port of Boca Chica is located. It is still a pretty novel and undiscovered location with mostly visitors from Europe and the United States but not yet in droves. The Boca Chica port leads to islands in the Pacific Ocean part of the Chiriquí National Marine Park with beautiful, unpopulated beaches, snorkeling and fishing. In Chiriquí there is also Playa La Barqueta, Las Lajas, which are some of the most known by locals and are easily accessible. There are various lodging options available in all these spots.

Regardless where you choose to travel there is something for everyone´s preference and everyone´s budget. Considering the multitude of options it is not surprising that hotel occupancy rates in the interior this summer will be 80% or above. Don´t miss out.

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