Panama is stepping up its campaign to attract Canadian visitors in 2026, combining a coordinated trade outreach effort with practical entry advantages and a tourism pitch that extends well beyond the country's well-known canal. This low-barrier format is being used by tourism officials to introduce first-time visitors to Panama's broader appeal without requiring them to commit to a dedicated trip from the outset. The campaign signals a deliberate shift in how Panama is positioning itself, not merely as a transit hub, but as a primary destination worth selling to North American leisure travelers. The goal is to work together with Canadian advisors to help travelers discover the country’s beaches, mountains, gastronomy, historic old city, adventure activities, and seven indigenous communities. A key part of the outreach centers on Copa Airlines’ stopover program, which allows travelers connecting through Panama to extend their stay for up to seven days at no additional airfare cost, covering only taxes. The airline offers daily service from both Toronto and Montreal, allowing Canadians to reach Panama in just five hours with easy onward connections to Central and South America. Copa and PROMTUR have backed the stopover concept with a joint investment of US$1.5 million to fund the “Panama has everything and it’s very close” campaign, targeting 300,000 tourists through the program by 2026. This effort is backed by a growing recognition that Canada, and Ontario in particular, represents an underserved source market for a destination that is already seeing steadily rising arrivals from the north. Representatives from the Panama Tourism Authority, PROMTUR Panama, and Copa Airlines recently conducted a two-day roadshow in Toronto and Montreal, meeting with travel agencies, tour operators, and consolidators to strengthen airlift connections and raise awareness among Canadian travel advisors. The Toronto event drew approximately 50 travel agents and featured presentations alongside speed-dating-style meetings with 17 Panama providers. For Ontarians specifically, the practical barriers to visiting Panama are minimal. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and consistently produces the largest share of the country’s outbound winter travelers, making it a primary target for destinations competing for the snowbird market. Panama’s General Consul noted that the country has developed specific tourism infrastructure to serve Canadian visitors and is increasingly promoting the destination during winter months to capture that demographic. Panama welcomed 19.2 million international visitors in 2024, and while Canadian arrivals are not broken down separately in published figures, tourism officials say they are steadily increasing, particularly through the winter season. Panama’s tourism pitch extends well beyond beaches. Visitors can explore Casco Viejo, the country’s UNESCO-listed historic district, pursue eco-adventures across more than 1,300 islands, and engage with an expanding calendar of cultural festivals and sporting events. This positions Panama as a fuller alternative to more saturated Caribbean destinations. Direct and one-stop connections through Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport make it one of the more accessible Central American destinations from Toronto, with Copa the only airline currently operating nonstop service between Toronto and Panama City. Canadian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 180 days. Travelers are required to show proof of a return ticket and a minimum of US$500 in funds upon arrival. At least 32 hotels, 33 restaurants, and 6 attractions have joined the campaign, offering discounts ranging from 15% to 40%.
