Copa Airlines a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, S.A. and a member of the Star Alliance global airline network, together with the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), PROMTUR Panama, and Tocumen International Airport, inaugurated “Panama Experience,” an interactive attraction that combines digital technology, immersive content, and personalized travel inspiration to encourage transit passengers to discover Panama and include the country in their next journey through the Panama Stopover program.
The experience introduces travelers to Panama’s unique blend of vibrant city life, tropical beaches, rich cultural heritage, world-renowned attractions, and extraordinary biodiversity. Through immersive technology and personalized trip-planning tools, visitors can discover how easily a connection through Panama can become a memorable travel experience.
“With the ‘Panama Experience’, we want every passenger transiting through the Hub of the Americas® to make a first connection with our country, even before leaving the airport. This experience allows us to showcase part of Panama’s cultural, natural, and tourism richness and encourage more travelers to turn their layover into a meaningful visit. Through the Panama Stopover program, we continue working alongside authorities and industry partners to strengthen the country’s tourism promotion and create more opportunities for Panama’s economy,” said Pedro Heilbron, Chief Executive Officer of Copa Airlines.
“Step Out and Discover Panama” is the invitation each visitor receives upon entering. Guests can explore an interactive map featuring 13 iconic destinations across Panama, from Panama City’s vibrant urban attractions and historic landmarks to beaches, rainforests, cultural experiences, and the country’s growing culinary scene. The space also features audiovisual content and immersive experiences inspired by some of Panama’s most remarkable landscapes.
“Today, we celebrate more than the opening of a new space, we celebrate a new way of showcasing Panama to the world. Every person who chooses to step out and discover Panama begins not only a journey, but also a connection with our people, our history, and our essence. Tourism is one of the best examples of how opportunities grow when we work together, because connecting efforts also means connecting development, employment, and growth for the country,” said Gloria De León, Administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority.
Visitors can create personalized itineraries of 3, 5, 7, or up to 15 days tailored to their travel interests, including culinary, historical, cultural, and nature-focused experiences. This initiative complements the Panama Stopover program, which allows Copa Airlines passengers to add Panama to their itinerary and enjoy two destinations in one trip at no additional airfare cost.
Travelers can extend their stay and explore the country before continuing to their final destination, making it easier than ever to experience Panama without purchasing a separate airline ticket.
With direct service from 17 U.S. gateways and convenient connections through Copa Airlines’ Hub of the Americas®, Panama has become an increasingly accessible destination for travelers journeying throughout the Americas and the Caribbean, offering a rich blend of culture, adventure, beaches, culinary experiences, and outdoor exploration.
Located in the connecting corridor between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Tocumen International Airport, the Panama Experience will initially be open to transit passengers seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., year-round.
“More than 20 million passengers pass through Tocumen every year, and many of them know very little about Panama and its many attractions. With Panama Experience, we want to change that: spark curiosity, showcase who we are, and encourage more travelers to turn their connection into a visit to our country,” said José Ruiz Blanco, General Manager of Tocumen International Airport.
The inauguration ceremony for Panama Experience was attended by José Raúl Mulino, President of the Republic of Panama. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was also led by Pedro Heilbron, CEO of Copa Airlines; José Ruiz, General Manager of Tocumen International Airport; Gloria De León, Administrator of the Panama Tourism Authority; and Salomón Shamah, General Director of PROMTUR Panama, who officially opened the new tourism experience.
The Panama Experience is the result of a partnership between the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), PROMTUR Panama, Tocumen International Airport, and Copa Airlines, aimed at strengthening Panama’s international positioning as a tourism destination. The initiative leverages air connectivity as a driver of economic development, job creation, and growth for the country’s tourism industry. It also seeks to continue increasing visitor arrivals through the Panama Stopover program, with a goal of reaching 250,000 visitors in 2026 and further solidifying the program as one of the country’s leading platforms for promoting tourism to Panama.
About Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines, a subsidiary of Copa Holdings, is a leading airline in passengers and cargo in Latin America. In its 76 years of operation, it has established the Hub of the Americas® in Panama City as the continent’s premier connections center. With a very modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, Copa Airlines serves countries in North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean. The airline consistently achieves top on-time performance results on the continent and among the best in the world. Copa Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, the world’s most relevant airline network, and offers the ConnectMiles frequent traveler program, allowing accumulation and redemption of miles across more than 25 airlines worldwide.
Featured image credited to Copa/Chad Slattery
