The National Chamber of Tourism of Panama (Camtur) reiterated its rejection of bill number 131, which proposes charging a fee to transit passengers at Tocumen International Airport, considering that the measure would affect the country's competitiveness as a regional air hub. In a statement issued on March 24, the industry group warned that the initiative, presented without a prior study, would increase the cost of transit through Tocumen and put Panama at a disadvantage compared to other connection hubs such as Bogota, Lima, and San Salvador, which do not apply additional charges to this type of passenger. Camtur highlighted that more than 70% of passengers using Tocumen are in transit, so any measure that discourages this flow would have direct effects on air connectivity, tourism, and related sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and gastronomy. The group also warned that the fee could weaken Panama's positioning as a business platform and tourist destination, while calling on the National Assembly to reconsider the proposal and bet on policies that strengthen connectivity and attract more visitors to the country. From Bocas del Toro, the tourism sector also alerted that if this fee were applied to transit passengers—who do not enter the country—it could influence the relocation of routes to other hubs, reduce the volume of travelers, and affect the sector's indirect economic impact. Furthermore, it questioned the lack of clear, measurable, and auditable mechanisms for the use of funds, warning that without guarantees of transparency and results, the measure could generate adverse effects on investment, employment, and economic stability.
