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Copa Airlines’ Panama Stopover Grows 38% in First Half of the Year, Surpassing 132,000 Visitors

Dergam Mousa

The Panama Stopover program, promoted by Copa Airlines alongside the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) and PROMTUR Panama, closed the first half of 2026 with a 38% growth compared to the same period last year. This tourism strategy successfully attracted more than 132,000 visitors, consolidating the country as a final destination rather than just a regional air transit point.

Historical Results and Key Markets

The performance of the first half of 2026 demonstrates the effectiveness of joint initiatives between the public and private sectors to capitalize on the flow of transit passengers. The main source markets for travelers choosing to extend their stay in the country were:

This 38% increase directly boosts the local economy, as tourists do not just make a quick visit, but rather combine cultural, gastronomic, and shopping experiences in the city with nature and beach activities in the country’s interior. According to tourism authorities, this influx generates an economic impact that directly benefits Panamanian hotels, restaurants, tour operators, businesses, and entrepreneurs.

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Incentive Strategies: Extended Stays and the “Sala Panama”

The program’s success this year is built on operational improvements and incentives designed for the passenger:

The Hub of the Americas as a Tourism Driver

Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron highlighted that the fundamental value of the Panama Stopover lies in leveraging the connectivity of the Hub of the Americas to transform transit passengers into active visitors. The airline currently boasts a network of more than 80 partner businesses, including hotels and experience operators, providing concrete options for tourists.

For her part, Gloria De Leon, administrator of the ATP, stated that the strategy has consolidated Panama as a destination that travelers choose to discover, leaving behind the perception of being solely a connection point.

Outlook for the End of 2026

With the momentum gained in the first six months of the year, the Panama Stopover program is on track to surpass its target of 250,000 visitors by the end of 2026. Market behavior shows that an increasing number of international passengers are choosing to add Panama to their itineraries, backed by airfare flexibility and the robust aerial connectivity offered by the country.

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