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Many people are aware of the incredible growth
in tourism, especially ecotourism the Costa
Rica enjoyed in the late 1980's and early
1990's. Although tourism is actually declining
in Costa Rica (a 15% decrease in each of the
last two years) (1) their earlier success
brought about a heightened awareness of Central
America to North Americans and Europeans.
Even with the decline in tourism, investment
in Costa Rica continues to increase, a healthy
sign for all of Central America. While Panama's
beauty and value are still a secret, the secret
does seem to be getting out. The number of
tourists visiting Panama in 1996 increased
by 21% to approximately 400,000(2). There
are several reasons why I believe this trend
will continue:
- This archipelago on Panama's northwest Caribbean
coast was discovered by Columbus on his fourth
and final voyage to the new world. The area
has witnessed a wealth of history from old
world pirates to turn of the century robber
barons.
- Prior to the opening of the Panama canal,
the island of Bocas del Toro (technically
Isla Colon) was the center of commerce for
Central America and still reflects the colonial
influence resulting from worldwide activity
in the once booming banana, coconut and cocoa
business.
- Laguna Chiriqui and Bahia Almirante, the principal
waters defined by the archipelago to the north,
the Peninsula Valiente to the east and the
mainland to the south and west contain a micro-ecology
consisting of jungle islands, hundreds of
mangrove keys, white sand beaches, virgin
coral reefs and pristine waters against a
dramatic backdrop of the 10,000 foot peaks
of the Cordillera.
- This region, considered the most geographically
diverse in the Caribbean, is abound with potential
eco-tourism attractions, jungle tours, river
tours, island tours, bird watching, beach
combing and it is home to at least two tribes
of indigenous Indians. Opportunities also
exist for the more traditional recreational
activities including camping, hiking/trekking,
sport fishing, diving, snorkeling, sailing,
kayaking, whitewater rafting and boating.
- Once the domain of the research biologist
or the exceptionally adventurous traveler
the area has become easily accessible due
to a modern airport featuring a 4,000 + foot
paved strip and inexpensive daily service
from the international hubs of Panama City
and San Jose, Costa Rica.
- The town of Bocas del Toro, population 3,500,
is the only "wooden town" in Panama, the only
town constructed almost exclusively of lumber.
The predominant architectural style is Caribbean
colonial, a Victorian style that reminds many
of the Key West ambiance. It boasts paves
streets, treated water and sewer systems,
electricity, telephones, cable TV, a hospital
and ambulance service and a fire department.
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