Tourism sectors struggle to recover following earthquakes in Venezuela and Panama

Tourism industries in Venezuela and Panama are facing significant economic challenges four months after recent seismic activity. In Venezuela, the La Guaira state economy remains heavily impacted as key coastal areas including Catia La Mar, Caraballeda, and Los Corales remain largely destroyed. Eduardo Quintana, president of the La Guaira Chamber of Commerce, stated that the state's recovery depends on reopening beaches and revitalizing tourism, noting that many areas have been paralyzed by government orders since the earthquakes.

In Panama, tourism chambers from Pedasí, Mariato, Santa Catalina, and Coclé are coordinating recovery efforts following the October 9 earthquake. Rodrigo Báez, president of the Veraguas Tourism Chamber, reported that damages extend beyond hotel and restaurant infrastructure to include commercial operations and local employment. Approximately 95% of the affected businesses identified so far are micro and small enterprises. While some operators in Santa Catalina have begun resuming services, officials are still conducting censuses to determine the full extent of the economic damage.