Canada Overtakes Costa Rica, US, Brazil, Mexico, and Others in a Massive Race to Fuel Panama’s Tourism Growth with an Unprecedented Growth in Tourist Arrivals for Six Consecutive Months in 2026
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Canada overtakes Costa Rica, the United States, Brazil, Mexico and others in a massive race to fuel Panama’s tourism growth, driven by an unprecedented increase in tourist arrivals during six consecutive months of 2026. Rising demand from Canadian travellers, supported by expanded air connectivity, winter escape opportunities, Panama’s diverse attractions and growing international appeal, has positioned Canada as one of the country’s fastest-growing source markets. Alongside strong performances from regional and global markets, Panama’s tourism momentum continues to accelerate through improved infrastructure, cultural experiences, nature-based travel and year-round accessibility, strengthening its position as a leading destination across the Americas.
Canada: Rapid Growth in Canadian Travel Reflects Panama’s Rising Appeal as a Multi-Experience Destination
Canada has emerged as one of Panama’s fastest-growing international tourism markets, with 26,479 Canadian visitors arriving through Tocumen International Airport during the first quarter of 2026. This represented 3.9% of all international arrivals and an impressive 48.9% year-over-year increase compared with 17,789 visitors during the same period in 2025. The surge reflects Panama’s growing reputation among Canadian travelers seeking warm-weather escapes, eco-tourism, and authentic cultural experiences beyond traditional Caribbean vacations. Expanded direct air connectivity, attractive winter travel opportunities, and Panama’s diverse portfolio of beaches, rainforests, islands, and urban attractions have significantly strengthened demand. Strategic tourism promotion in Canada, combined with modern visitor infrastructure, safety, and year-round accessibility, has positioned Panama as one of the fastest-rising destinations for Canadian travelers across the Americas.
Key Panama Destinations Popular with Canadian Visitors
- Panama Canal and Miraflores Visitor Center
- Casco Viejo
- Bocas del Toro
- Boquete Highlands
- San Blas Islands
- Pearl Islands
Costa Rica: Cross-Border Travel and Regional Connectivity Continue to Fuel Panama’s Tourism Success
Costa Rica remains one of Panama’s strongest regional tourism markets, generating 31,179 visitors during the first quarter of 2026. Costa Rican arrivals accounted for 4.6% of all international visitors, increasing by 37.7% compared with 22,650 visitors during the same period in 2025. Panama has successfully leveraged its close geographic proximity, efficient border crossings, extensive regional air services, and strong business relationships to encourage both leisure and corporate travel. Costa Rican visitors increasingly choose Panama for shopping, gastronomy, conventions, entertainment, and short city breaks, while improved tourism infrastructure and diverse attractions encourage longer stays. Continued investment in regional connectivity and tourism development has strengthened Panama’s position as one of Central America’s leading cross-border travel destinations.
Key Panama Destinations Popular with Costa Rican Visitors
- Panama City
- Albrook Mall
- Casco Viejo
- Amador Causeway
- Boquete
- Playa Blanca
United States: America’s Largest Source Market Continues to Drive Panama’s Tourism Boom
The United States remained Panama’s largest international tourism source market during the first quarter of 2026, contributing 154,450 visitors, representing 22.5% of all international arrivals through Tocumen International Airport. Compared with 137,113 visitors during the same period in 2025, arrivals increased by 12.6%, reinforcing the United States’ dominant role in Panama’s tourism economy. Multiple nonstop flights from major U.S. gateways, Panama’s strategic location as the aviation hub of the Americas, and strong business, cruise, and investment ties continue driving sustained visitor growth. American travelers are increasingly attracted by Panama’s luxury hotels, biodiversity, adventure tourism, shopping, historical attractions, and the iconic Panama Canal. Continuous investments in tourism infrastructure, destination marketing, premium hospitality, and visitor experiences have enabled Panama to maintain strong momentum from its most valuable inbound tourism market.
Key Panama Destinations Popular with U.S. Visitors
- Panama Canal
- Casco Viejo
- Bocas del Toro
- Boquete
- Coiba National Park
- Pearl Islands
Brazil: Strong Air Connectivity Is Turning Panama into One of South America’s Favorite International Gateways
Brazil continues to play an increasingly important role in Panama’s tourism expansion, with 25,994 Brazilian visitors arriving during the first quarter of 2026, accounting for 3.8% of all international arrivals. Compared with 19,869 visitors during the same period in 2025, arrivals surged by 30.8%, demonstrating Panama’s growing appeal across South America. Extensive connectivity through Copa Airlines’ hub at Tocumen International Airport has transformed Panama into a preferred destination for both leisure and transit travel. Brazilian visitors are attracted by luxury shopping, premium hospitality, Caribbean beaches, eco-tourism, business opportunities, and Panama’s world-famous canal. Continuous investment in aviation connectivity, international marketing campaigns, and high-quality visitor experiences has helped Panama capture a growing share of Brazil’s expanding outbound tourism market.
Key Panama Destinations Popular with Brazilian Visitors
- Panama Canal
- Casco Viejo
- Multiplaza Pacific Mall
- Bocas del Toro
- San Blas Islands
- Boquete
Mexico: Business Travel, Shopping, and Leisure Tourism Continue to Strengthen Panama’s Position
Mexico remained one of Panama’s leading tourism source markets during the first quarter of 2026, contributing 22,298 visitors, or 3.3% of total international arrivals, representing a 19.5% increase over the 18,667 visitors recorded during the same period in 2025. Strong aviation links between Panama City and major Mexican cities continue supporting steady growth in both business and leisure travel. Panama has successfully diversified its tourism offering beyond corporate travel by promoting luxury shopping, cultural attractions, gastronomy, beach vacations, and international events. The country’s stable economy, modern tourism infrastructure, strategic location, and excellent international connectivity continue attracting increasing numbers of Mexican travelers seeking both short vacations and regional business opportunities.
Key Panama Destinations Popular with Mexican Visitors
- Panama Canal
- Casco Viejo
- Cinta Costera
- Biomuseo
- Amador Causeway
- Bocas del Toro
Colombia: Panama’s Largest Latin American Market Continues to Power Record International Tourism Growth
Colombia remained Panama’s largest tourism market within Latin America during the first quarter of 2026, generating 99,268 visitors, accounting for 14.5% of all international arrivals through Tocumen International Airport. Compared with 75,815 visitors during the same period in 2025, Colombian arrivals jumped by 30.9%, making Colombia one of Panama’s fastest-growing high-volume source markets. Close cultural ties, frequent daily flights, short travel times, and strong commercial relations continue driving both leisure and business travel. Colombian visitors are increasingly choosing Panama for shopping, conventions, entertainment, luxury accommodations, beaches, and weekend city breaks. Panama’s strategic position as the “Hub of the Americas,” combined with continuous tourism investment and enhanced visitor experiences, has enabled the country to significantly strengthen its appeal among Colombian travelers.
Key Panama Destinations Popular with Colombian Visitors
- Panama Canal
- Casco Viejo
- Albrook Mall
- Multiplaza Pacific Mall
- Amador Causeway
- Bocas del Toro
The Americas Continue to Dominate International Air Arrivals at Tocumen International Airport
The Americas remained the dominant source of international visitors to Tocumen International Airport during the first quarter of 2026 (January–March), accounting for 523,176 arrivals, or 76.4% of all international passengers. The United States continued to lead all source markets with 154,450 visitors, representing 22.5% of total arrivals, followed by Colombia with 99,268 visitors and Argentina with 32,133. Strong year-on-year growth was recorded across several key markets, including Canada (+48.9%), Guatemala (+46.3%), Peru (+45.2%), Costa Rica (+37.7%), and Brazil (+30.8%), reflecting sustained travel demand across North, Central and South America. Collectively, arrivals from the Americas increased by 24.2% compared with the same period in 2025, reinforcing the region’s position as Panama’s largest inbound tourism market and highlighting Tocumen International Airport’s role as one of Latin America’s leading aviation gateways.
Based on current traffic trends, April–June 2026 is expected to maintain strong momentum. Estimated projections indicate that arrivals from the Americas could reach approximately 560,000–590,000 visitors during the second quarter, supported by the Easter holiday period, increased summer travel bookings, stronger airline capacity, expanding regional connectivity and continued demand from the United States, Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina and other major markets. If this growth trajectory continues, the Americas are expected to remain the largest contributor to Panama’s international air arrivals throughout the first half of 2026.
| Country | 2026 Visitors (Jan–Mar) | 2026 Share | 2025 Visitors (Jan–Mar) | YoY Change | Estimated Visitors (Apr–Jun 2026)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 154,450 | 22.5% | 137,113 | 12.6% | ~165,000 |
| Colombia | 99,268 | 14.5% | 75,815 | 30.9% | ~108,000 |
| Argentina | 32,133 | 4.7% | 23,942 | 34.2% | ~35,000 |
| Costa Rica | 31,179 | 4.6% | 22,650 | 37.7% | ~34,000 |
| Canada | 26,479 | 3.9% | 17,789 | 48.9% | ~31,000 |
| Brazil | 25,994 | 3.8% | 19,869 | 30.8% | ~29,000 |
| Ecuador | 25,781 | 3.8% | 19,939 | 29.3% | ~28,000 |
| Peru | 24,850 | 3.6% | 17,116 | 45.2% | ~28,000 |
| Mexico | 22,298 | 3.3% | 18,667 | 19.5% | ~24,000 |
| Venezuela | 17,969 | 2.6% | 16,615 | 8.1% | ~19,000 |
| Chile | 14,220 | 2.1% | 11,931 | 19.2% | ~15,000 |
| Guatemala | 11,624 | 1.7% | 7,945 | 46.3% | ~13,000 |
| Honduras | 10,087 | 1.5% | 9,067 | 11.2% | ~11,000 |
| Nicaragua | 9,893 | 1.4% | 9,565 | 3.4% | ~10,000 |
| El Salvador | 8,802 | 1.3% | 7,653 | 15.0% | ~9,500 |
| Uruguay | 3,273 | 0.5% | 2,984 | 9.7% | ~3,500 |
| Bolivia | 2,810 | 0.4% | 2,029 | 38.5% | ~3,200 |
| Paraguay | 1,443 | 0.2% | 1,163 | 24.1% | ~1,600 |
| Belize | 623 | 0.1% | 458 | 36.0% | ~700 |
| Total (Americas) | 523,176 | 76.4% | 421,366 | 24.2% | ~570,000 |
Canada overtakes Costa Rica, US, Brazil, Mexico and others in fueling Panama’s tourism growth as unprecedented tourist arrival gains in six consecutive months of 2026 are driven by stronger connectivity, diverse attractions and rising traveller demand.
In conclusion, Canada overtakes Costa Rica, US, Brazil, Mexico and others in fueling Panama’s tourism growth as the country experiences an unprecedented rise in tourist arrivals across six consecutive months of 2026. This remarkable momentum has been supported by expanding air connectivity, strong visitor demand, diverse tourism experiences, strategic destination promotion and Panama’s growing reputation as a year-round travel hub. While Canada has emerged as a rapidly expanding source market, continued growth from the US, Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico and other international markets is strengthening Panama’s position across the Americas. With sustained investment and enhanced global accessibility, Panama is set to maintain its powerful tourism growth trajectory.
