Written by Casey Halloran
is an indoor ski resort what Panama tourism needs?
I have compared Panama to Dubai several times in previous articles, rarely intending flattery. After attending the annual AMCHAM Tourism Forum a few weeks ago (report on the way!), it became clear to me that there are two distinctive theories competing for the future direction of Panama tourism. On one hand, there’s what I call the “dressed up Cancun/Dubai” approach and on the other is a Panamanian twist on Costa Rica’s eco/boutique/sustainable model. I count myself in the latter camp, but I worry that I may be grossly out numbered and out gunned.
Even as Dubai’s once-heralded economy teeters on the brink of disaster, Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli echoed the “Panama as Dubai” notion when he rang the opening bell on Wall Street just last week! Read more »
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Filed under: Business, Politics, Real Estate on September 27th, 2009 | 9 Comments »
Written by Hilary Campbell
Teeny boppers and teeny bopper mothers, get ready to scream because the Jonas Brothers are playing the Figali Convention Center in Panama City on October 28th, 2009. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Regular ticket sales start today, and if these brothers are as popular as the world says, I would get your tickets fast.
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Filed under: Culture, Living & Retirement on September 24th, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Written by Hilary Campbell
Sometimes as residents of foreign countries we miss out on some of the opportunities that travelers have. Sailing from Panama to Colombia is one of these opportunities that seems to only exist within the backpacking world. However, with increasingly expensive plane tickets to South America and the Darien Gap being too dangerous to cross, hopping on the backpacker trail to bridge this gap from Panama to Colombia provides a lesser-known and more adventurous mode of transportation to our south-eastern neighbor. The conditions and amenities of this 5-day sailing trip are rustic at best, but it is A.) a unique experience in the San Blas Islands, and B.) provides an exotic and unforgettable trip to Colombia. Read more »
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Filed under: Country Guide, Living & Retirement, News on September 23rd, 2009 | No Comments »
Written by Hilary Campbell
I often forget about the Caribbean side of Panama. When the weekend arrives and I am revving up the explorative engine, my mind always thinks Pacific. Some of this shielded thinking comes from the fact that until fairly recently, the road from Panama City to the Colon area was AWFUL. A trip that should normally take about an hour would be stretched to 2-3 miserable hours of 10 mph maneuvering through cow-sized potholes with the occasional construction stop. Now, however, with the new completion of the autopista, taking a day trip to the Caribbean is not only a pleasant experience but opens up a new door of exploration filled with crystal clear waters and coconut infused seafood.
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Filed under: Country Guide on September 18th, 2009 | No Comments »
Written by Casey Halloran
most tourists have no idea what to expect of Medellin, Colombia
YOU ARE GOING WHERE!?
When I decided to take a vacation to the unlikely destination of Medellin, Colombia, my friends back in the U.S. made the expected sarcastic comments, ranging from inferences that my trip involved finding Pablo Escobar to suspicions of my performing Internet marketing for the cartels. Funny to the amigos perhaps, but overcoming these notions is a serious challenge that faces Colombian tourism.
Unfortunately, the notions that Medellin (and Colombia in general) is still a dangerous destination remain prevalent. Colombia has a long way to go in order to overcome the reputation it earned from its anything goes, drug running past. In recent years, the country has been making an impressive effort to do just that. As a marketing guy, I appreciate the manner in which the national ad campaigns directly attack the average tourist’s worst fear with the tagline, “The only risk is you’ll want to stay.” Catchy slogan indeed, even if only partly true. Read more »
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Filed under: Business on September 13th, 2009 | 9 Comments »
Written by Casey Halloran
rent prices in Panama City, Panama are falling
When I first came to Panama in 2004, I was impressed by the affordable the cost of living for such a cosmopolitan town. I rented a spacious, fairly new, furnished, ocean-glimpse apartment in El Cangrejo with for $600 per month. In 2004, a beer at the neighborhood bar was $1.25 and dining out ran around $9 for an entree. Back then, there were plenty of pre-construction apartments for under $100,000. Sure I loved Panama, but I loved the those condo prices even more, and so snatched up one myself without thinking too much.
Since then, prices skyrocketed. We can debate the reasons why: the U.S. real estate boom, news of the Canal Expansion, the success of neighboring Costa Rica or a glut of foreigners with fat pocketbooks, and a lot of hype. Regardless of the potential causes, since somewhere around 2006 prices for beach land, entertainment, hotel rooms, and apartment rentals all went through the roof. Read more »
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Filed under: Business, Real Estate on August 31st, 2009 | 17 Comments »
Written by Casey Halloran
Panama put the real estate cart before the tourism horse
For the past 5 years, I have shouted to the rafters my beliefs on the vital role that tourism must play in Panama’s economic development. When putting forth this concept here in Panama, I am often met with the following reactions:
- Blank stares
- Laughter
- Anger
Some of these reactions seem to stem from a common belief among locals that Panama is destined for greatness, with or without tourists. Heck, even my long-time Panamanian girlfriend is quick to strike back during my touristic sermons with her own version of, “Tourists? We don’t need no stinkin’ tourists!” I DO understand that with 100 years of U.S. occupation, Panama has a justifiable chip on its shoulder. Perhaps I should be more culturally sensitive about what I perceive to be xenophobia, but that’s a different article. Read more »
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Filed under: Business, Politics, Real Estate on August 27th, 2009 | 3 Comments »
Written by Casey Halloran
Panama is rife with investment opportunities
Despite what CNN may tell us, I know that not EVERYBODY out there lost their shirt in this recent economic meltdown. Indeed, some of you eggheads are sitting darned pretty. You go, you mini-Soros you! Let me guess, you were probably that kid from highschool, who while the jocks were out getting boozed and chasing blondes, was home on Saturday nights studying up for the big Chem test! Today you’re a hotshot doctor or whatever, while the jock’s Pontiac dealership just got siezed by the Government. The same restraint and healthy skepticism that kept you on the riteous path back then also guided you away from financial ruin now. While I may loathe you, I must also applaud you. Indeed, were I to cross your path during Victorian times I would likely say, “good show dear sir, good show” Read more »
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Filed under: Business on August 24th, 2009 | No Comments »
Written by Hilary Campbell
More often than not I wish I had a video camera during my taxi rides. Whizzing around the city while being serenaded, driving the wrong way down a one way street on a non-existent shoulder and talking about female lumberjacks from Oregon (my home state) are just a few of my top taxi experiences. On average I take taxis 4 times a day. I teach English and tutor to various students and companies around the city, which requires the always-exciting taxi ride. I am a 27, white, American female who’s Spanish is embarrassingly poor i.e. if these work for me they will work for anyone. Here are my top 5 tips to a smooth taxi ride. Read more »
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Filed under: Culture, Living & Retirement on August 21st, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Written by Hilary Campbell
I am my father’s daughter. My dad has been a follower and a believer in “woo woo” for as long as I can remember. You may notice this is not a scientific term, but in our family it is the term we use for anything falling into “new age,” “consciousness expansion,” “mind calibration”… Yanni. Throughout my week I can always rely on being the recipient of inspirational e-mails and articles on how to achieve success through visualization. Normally these e-mails make me smile and I scan the content and think to myself, “oh Dad,” but a few months ago I received one that made me pause and actually reflect on my life. The article was about being grateful.
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Filed under: Living & Retirement on August 18th, 2009 | No Comments »
Written by Casey Halloran
Panama tourism needs a minister who is crazy for change
Dear Mr. Shamah:
“Los Locos Somos” was a great slogan for President Martinelli’s campaign. I heard that you and your advertising team were behind that concept. As a fellow marketing guy, I am hoping that you and I speak the same language. Despite our differences of opinion, most would agree that your predecessor, the venerable Ruben Blades, did a fine job in getting Panama on the tourism map. The word is out and there is buzz about this country in the U.S., U.K. and parts of Latin America. The next step in developing Panama’s nascent tourism industry is more challenging that writing a catchy jingle or creating brand awareness. We need to focus on the Product. Read more »
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Filed under: Business, News, Politics on August 13th, 2009 | 13 Comments »
Written by Casey Halloran
Panama City’s Skyline Growth Is Slowing
As Panama’s real estate boom teeters ever closer towards a little town I call “Bustville”, I am amazed by those in denial, who still shout to the rafters such brilliant defense as, “the fundamentals are still strong!” or “this is a different market”. These and other lines are too reminiscent of those I heard parroted by other fellow deniers during the dot-bomb disaster of the 90s.
Still, since nothing’s shocking to me anymore in Panama, I have to wonder if I’m the crazy one. What are those folks seeing that I’m not? I have lived in Latin America for the last 11 years, the majority of my adult and professional life. I reside full-time in Costa Rica and Panama (How can one person have 2 primary residences? — another article). Since I first arrived in Panama around 6 years ago, I’ve never understood how prices here went from very reasonable, to very….well, NOT reasonable. Read more »
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Filed under: Business, Real Estate on August 10th, 2009 | 9 Comments »
Written by Cailey Halloran
Just call me Senorita Scuba. The woman who explores the underwater world that is blind to any eye on land. The lady version of Jacques Cousteau, if you will. A mermaid of sorts, swimming gracefully under the sea. Truth be told, I just got my Open Water PADI certification today that allows me to scuba dive in the ocean with an instructor. Read more »
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Filed under: Country Guide on July 6th, 2009 | No Comments »
Written by Cailey Halloran
I was told while at the beach that the tides have changed as of today and the first Mahi Mahi filled Panga came to the shores of Pedasi! Read more »
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Filed under: News on May 19th, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Written by Cailey Halloran
Happy Fans Cheer for Los Santos Baseball Team (Picture courtesy of La Prensa)
Last night was the final game of the Panama baseball season and Los Santos brought home the bacon! How did I find out? Horns honking through the streets of Pedasi around 10PM. Read more »
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Filed under: News, Sports on May 15th, 2009 | No Comments »
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