Panama Proposes New Cruise Operators
Panama proposed new cruise operators to reduce payment for tourists, ships arrival at a new point and the contracting for these purposes of Panamanian personnel.

Panama received 10 million dollars from the Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines from 2001 to 2005, which brought in 11 dollars for each traveler of the 155 ships that arrived, according to national media.

Sources also said there will be a new point of arrival at Bocas del Toro, Kuna Yala or Las Perlas archipelago and Panamanian personal must be hired for the tourist service.

The Interior Trade vice-minister Manuel Jose Paredes pointed out that these changes are necessary because the isthmus is already recognized as tourist destination.

However Aida Quijano, representative of Panama Carnival said cruise tourism still needs incentives and facilities to be developed.