Panama officially inaugurated a new cruise ship terminal at the entrance of the Panama Canal, amidst concerns over low water levels due to drought conditions. The aim is to enhance tourism in the Central American nation.
Constructed in Panama City by a consortium led by China Harbor Engineering Company, the terminal represents an investment exceeding US$200 million, as stated by President Laurentino Cortizo.
In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Cortizo expressed optimism that the new terminal would facilitate the development of new tourist routes, thereby attracting more visitors to Panama.
Capable of accommodating two cruise ships simultaneously, the terminal stands as the first of its kind on Panama's Pacific coast, supplementing an existing terminal in the Caribbean city of Colon.
According to Denise Guillen (General Administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority), Panama witnessed a significant increase in cruise tourists in 2023, reaching ~320,000, doubling the figures from the previous year. Guillen noted the exponential growth in this sector.
The inauguration of the terminal coincides with efforts to address the challenges posed by record-low water levels in the Panama Canal, which have restricted the passage of ships. Ricaurte Vasquez, the Canal administrator, expressed hopes for a return to normal traffic levels by February of the following year.