Tourism recovery in Venezuela and Panama after earthquakes

Tourism sectors in Venezuela and Panama continue to face economic challenges following recent seismic activity. In Venezuela, the La Guaira state economy remains heavily impacted, with key coastal areas such as Catia La Mar, Caraballeda, and Los Corales largely destroyed. Eduardo Quintana, president of the La Guaira Chamber of Commerce, noted that recovery depends on reopening beaches and revitalizing tourism, as many areas have been paralyzed by government orders.

In Panama, tourism chambers in Pedasí, Mariato, Santa Catalina, and Coclé are coordinating recovery efforts following an earthquake on October 9. Rodrigo Báez, president of the Veraguas Tourism Chamber, reported that damages affect hotel and restaurant infrastructure, commercial operations, and local employment, with approximately 95% of affected businesses being micro and small enterprises.

To support economic recovery in interior communities, industry leaders from the National Chamber of Tourism (CAMTUR) and the Panamanian Hotel Association (APATEL) are urging citizens to visit domestic destinations. This comes as Tocumen International Airport prepares for a surge in passenger traffic during the Fiestas Patrias holiday period, with an estimated 95,000 additional local passengers expected between October 30 and November 10.