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CENTRAL AMERICA |
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Historic Canal Expansion Expected To Boost
Tourism
By Shannon Melynyk, Canwest News Service
PANAMA - It's a new day in Central America.
The impending $5.5-billion US expansion of
the hydraulic eighth wonder of the world,
the Panama Canal, is expected to have a
major impact on global trade in what has
steadily become a bustling business hub of
the Americas.
Widening and deepening the passage will make
room for a new generation of monster ships
carrying everything from human cargo to one
million barrels of oil, shaving weeks off
current transport times and reshaping trade
patterns across the world.
With the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of
former Wal-Mart employee and new Panamanian
President Ricardo Martinelli, his government
plans to live up to its namesake in
profiting from world business with the birth
of the bigger, better canal. It's also
injecting undisclosed millions into
welcoming the world for holiday fun.
With sights set on giving neighbouring Costa
Rica a run for its tourism dollars, Panama
is gearing up to become a cosmopolitan and
resort destination, luring tourists with not
only old-world history, but offerings of
hurricane-free tropical beaches, luxury
shopping and jungle adventures.
Development has been equally heavy in other
parts of Panama City, in addition to resorts
and all-inclusives dotting the coast and
nestled in the tropical splendour of the
vast rainforest. Tour companies are beefing
up adventure-'til-you-drop fare, including
fishing, diving, hiking, wet rappelling, zip
trekking and jungle excursions.
Beach life meets the tropical surroundings
of exotic fruit, monkeys and misty cascading
falls: Panama is home to some of the
sweetest pineapple in the world, and many
species of rare flora and wildlife.
Ecotourism is also growing in the little
country that could. Volunteer-work holidays
and visits with indigenous rainforest
cultures are growing industries. Tourists
can board tiny piraguas paddled by
semi-clothed natives in crocodile-infested
waters to see an old way of life relatively
untouched by modern society.
Tribes that include the Kuna and Embera
Indians have been working with the
government and tour companies to increase
tourism opportunities by showcasing their
jewelry, crafts, cuisine and dance.
The new Panama Canal may not open until
2014, but Panama is intent on encouraging a
rebirth of its nation in the meantime. |
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