Meanwhile, in hotspots in the interior such as Las Tablas, Chitré, and Penonomé, hotel occupancy is between 90% and 100%. In Panama City, it could be between 60% and 80%, with reservations already around 50%. De Sanctis noted that the country has the potential to turn its carnivals into a true international brand, similar to what Brazil or Venice have achieved, where traditional festivities have become a global tourist attraction. The estimates come at a time when Panama is projecting an economic growth of nearly 4% in 2025, in its attempt to re-establish itself as a regional power. The carnivals in Panama not only ignite the party in the streets and parks, but they also strongly move the economy. The president of the Panamanian Association of Business Executives (Apede), Giulia De Sanctis, dropped the data this Sunday: the economic impact this year will exceed 300 million dollars at the national level. 'The party is also felt in the pockets,' said the leader, explaining that sectors such as hotels, transportation, commerce, logistics, and services are the ones that benefit the most during these four days of celebration. In the capital, the projections speak of a movement close to 36 million dollars, a figure that exceeds the 30 million reported last year. From the business sector, they insist that turning the carnival into a 'country brand' requires coordination between the public and private sectors, clear rules, and promotion abroad. In addition to the money circulating, the businesswoman highlighted that these festivities represent identity and tradition. 'It is not about selling culture, but about organizing it with vision,' she stated. The carnivals are celebrated on the four days prior to Ash Wednesday and are among the oldest and most popular parties in the country. Places like Las Tablas, famous for the rivalry between Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo, remain the epicenter of thousands of visitors every year.
