What Autoridad De Turismo Panamá does

Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (ATP) is the state regulatory and promotional authority of the Republic of Panama for the tourism sector, established on February 27, 2008 via Decreto Ley No. 4 and headquartered at Edificio BICSA in Panama City. It succeeded the Instituto Panameño de Turismo (IPAT, 1962) and holds exclusive legal authority to license tourism businesses (travel agencies Types A and B, hotels, tour operators, marinas, agrotourism farms) through the National Tourism Registry, certify tour guides (renewable biennially), administer investment incentives under Law 80 (granting 100% income tax credit on qualifying tourism investment), and oversee destination quality systems including the Sistema de Certificación de Calidad Turística (SCCT). ATP operates the Centro de Convenciones ATLAPA on Panama Bay and partners with Panama Convention Center, with combined indoor capacity approaching 77,000 m². The entity is governed by an Administradora General (currently Gloria De León) with a Subadministrador General (Jorge Correa) and a Secretaría General, and reports through Panama's national government.

ATP delivers services through three structural layers. First, a regulatory layer: licensing, guide certification, and quality certification (SCCT, SICCS, EST) with associated digital portals and the Plan Maestro de Turismo Sostenible (PMTS) 2025-2030 as the strategic framework. Second, a promotional layer executed by PROMTUR Panamá, a 2017 trust-funded destination marketing organization with an annual $20 million budget for international promotion. Third, a destination-experience layer including the Panama Stopover program (132,000+ visitors in H1 2026, +38% YoY), digital bilingual brochures, GIS-based interactive maps via ArcGIS, and the 129-farms agrotourism network. Customer base spans hospitality (APATEL members, 20,000+ hotel rooms), MICE (Panama Convention Center, ATLAPA, APPCE), gastronomy (ARAP), aviation (Copa Airlines), cruise operators, and tour operators (Viajes Auténticos, Panama Crafted, Detouroper).

ATP generates no commercial revenue; it is funded through the national budget with nominal licensing fees (B/.20–B/.30 per license plus surety bonds). The underlying tourism sector it stewards contributes approximately 11% of Panama's GDP (~$5 billion in annual foreign exchange) and 40,000 direct/100,000 indirect jobs. Distribution spans 14 regional offices plus airport information centers at Tocumen and Albrook, with technology anchored on ArcGIS mapping and online registry transactions rather than AI/ML capabilities. PROMTUR Panamá functions as a separately constituted promotional affiliate rather than a corporate subsidiary in the traditional sense.

Name

Autoridad De Turismo Panamá

Legal name

Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá

Website

https://atp.gob.pa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (ATP) is Panama's state tourism authority, regulating and licensing tourism businesses, administering Law 80 investment incentives, and promoting the country as a sustainable destination through its PROMTUR destination marketing organization.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Tourism Authority Services

NAICS

Regulation, Licensing, and Inspection of Miscellaneous Commercial Sectors (92615)

akta.pro primary industry

Transportation Regulators (Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Road) (BPAIAOAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Travel Policy Design, Governance & Compliance (THACAMAB), Policy Compliance, Approval Workflow & Program Governance (THAKAMAF)

Keywords

• Tourism authority services
• Destination marketing organization
• Tourism business licensing
• Sustainable tourism planning
• Convention and event venues

Headquarters

HQ city

Panama City, Panamá

HQ country

Panama

HQ region

Latin America

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Tourism Business Licensing and Registration: ATP collects fees for licensing travel agencies (Type A: B/.30, Type B: B/.20), registration of tourism activities, and certification of tourism guides and businesses. These fees support the regulatory function of the authority.
2. Tourism Investment Promotion: Through Law 80 of 2012 and subsequent amendments, ATP facilitates investment in the tourism sector by administering fiscal incentives including 100% income tax credits for qualified tourism investments registered with the National Tourism Registry.
3. PROMTUR Tourism Promotion Fund: Created through Law 9 of 2017, the tourism promotion fund is managed through a trust arrangement to finance international promotion of Panama as a tourism destination, with an annual allocation of 20 million for marketing activities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (ATP) is the government tourism authority of Panama, created by Decreto Ley No. 4 of 2008 to develop, promote, and regulate the country's tourism sector. It administers the National Tourism Registry, issues and certifies licenses for travel agencies, tour guides, hotels, agrotourism farms, marinas and other tourism businesses, and operates the PROMTUR Panama destination marketing organization. ATP also manages the Centro de Convenciones ATLAPA, runs the Panama Stopover transit program, applies the Plan Maestro de Turismo Sostenible, and provides industry incentives under Ley 80.

Product overview

Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá (ATP) is a government entity responsible for developing, promoting, and regulating tourism in Panama. Its product portfolio consists of regulatory services (National Tourism Registry, tour guide certification, quality certification systems), venue facilities (Centro de Convenciones ATLAPA and Panama Convention Center), strategic programs (PROMTUR promotional fund, Ley 80 investment incentives, Panama Stopover transit program), planning tools (Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism 2025-2030, land use plans), publications (tourism bulletins, digital brochures in Spanish and English), digital services (interactive maps via ArcGIS, regional office network), and training (CampusTurismo English course). The organization does not offer a commercial software product but rather a suite of government services supporting Panama's tourism industry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PROMTUR Panamá: Tourism Promotion Fund - the destination marketing organization (DMO) responsible for international promotion and commercialization of Panama as a tourism destination, created through Law 9 of 2017.
• ATLAPA
• Turismo-Conservación-Investigación (TCI)
• Panama Stopover
• Plan Maestro de Turismo Sostenible (PMTS)

Products and services

• Centro de Convenciones ATLAPA Convention and event venue operated by ATP in Panama City, offering 15,880 m² of enclosed space, multiple meeting rooms with capacities from 5 to 600 persons, the 2,806-seat Anayansi Theater, and the 3,200 m² Las Islas grand ballroom divisible into three independent sections. Targets MICE event organizers and international conventions.
• Panama Convention Center MICE venue located at the entrance of the Panama Canal in Amador, capable of accommodating more than 20,000 people with 61,000 m² of interior areas, an open structure, and views of the Causeway. Targeted at large international congresses and conventions.
• PROMTUR Panamá (Fondo de Promoción Turística) Panama's official destination marketing organization responsible for international promotion and commercialization of Panama as a tourism destination across all segments and tourism products. Annual budget of approximately USD 20 million managed through a trust structure.
• Registro Nacional de Turismo National Tourism Registry providing registration and assistance for hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, agrotourism farms, tour guides, marinas, and other tourism activities, including access to Law 80 fiscal incentive schemes (modified by Laws 82 and 122 of 2019). Targeted at tourism businesses operating in Panama.
• Certificación de Guías de Turismo ATP-administered tour guide certification program requiring first aid certification, foreign language proficiency, tourism credits or work experience, and passage of ATP knowledge exams, renewable every two years. Targeted at individual tour guides seeking official credentials.
• Sistema de Certificación de Calidad Turística en Panamá (SCCT) Quality certification system for tourism businesses in Panama, part of ATP's broader quality and tourism culture programs under the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism. Targeted at Panama-based tourism operators seeking quality differentiation.
• Incentivos Turísticos de la Ley 80 Tourism investment incentive program under Law 80 (modified by Laws 82 and 122 of 2019), granting 100% fiscal credit on income tax for investments by tourism companies registered in the National Tourism Registry. Targeted at tourism investors and developers in Panama.
• Panama Stopover Transit tourism program allowing airline passengers to explore Panama during layovers. Registered more than 132,000 visitors in the first half of 2026 with 38% year-over-year growth. Targeted at international travelers transiting through Tocumen International Airport.
• CampusTurismo (Inglés para Turismo) Self-directed 30-hour English course delivered over 3 months covering arrivals/departures, hotels, and activities/attractions. Targeted at tourism students, tourism industry personnel, tour guides, and SET transporters.
• Mapas Interactivos (Interactive Maps) Suite of interactive digital maps built on ArcGIS technology, including national tourism map, hydrography, mangroves, road network, populated places, political divisions, relief, cultural, fishing restriction, port state control, and watershed basin maps. Free public-facing service for tourists and industry stakeholders.
• Plan Maestro de Turismo Sostenible 2025-2030 Updated strategic plan guiding sustainable tourism development in Panama, replacing the 2020-2025 version. Anchored in the Tourism-Conservation-Research (TCI) strategy, with emphasis on competitiveness, sustainability, and community integration. Targeted at public-sector planners, tourism authorities, and industry stakeholders.
• Planes de Ordenamiento Territorial Territorial planning maps produced for specific districts (Taboga, Bocas del Toro, Tierras Altas, Boquete, Pedasí, Soná) as part of ATP's sustainable tourism development strategy. Targeted at municipal governments and tourism developers.
• Oficinas Regionales y Centros de Información Network of 14 regional offices across Panama's provinces (Bocas del Toro, Coclé, Los Santos, Chiriquí, Colón, Darién, Ngäbe Buglé, Veraguas, Herrera, Guna Yala) plus information centers at Tocumen and Marcos A. Gelabert airports providing in-person tourism assistance, business licensing support, and local tourism guidance for tourism businesses and visitors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11% of Panama's GDP from tourism ($5 billion annually)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• PROMTUR Panamá (Fondo de Promoción Turística)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPROMTUR is Panama's official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) created through Law 9 of 2017 and modified by Law 58 of 2018. It handles international promotion and commercialization of Panama as a tourism destination, with annual funding of $20 million through a trust structure. The fund has a Board of Directors that defines investment policy.
• MiAmbiente (Ministerio de Ambiente)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for environmental conservation and sustainable tourism development, including joint initiatives like the 'Encuentro con Gigantes del Mar' (Encounter with Giants of the Sea) marine conservation awareness program.
• Fundación Ola Igualdad and BID (Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to promote inclusive communication in the tourism sector, with ATP technical and administrative staff participating in training programs funded by the BID.
• Panama Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor convention venue at the entrance of the Panama Canal (Amador) with capacity for more than 20,000 people and 61,000 m² of indoor areas, supporting MICE tourism promotion.
• ATLAPA Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric convention center located on Panama Bay combining artistic and cultural heritage, with 2,806-seat theater and 34,445 sq ft column-free exhibition hall, hosting international congresses and conventions.
• APPCE (Asociación Panameña de Centros de Eventos)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAssociation of event centers in Panama promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism and supporting the convention industry.
• APATEL (Asociación Panameña de Hoteles)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPanamanian Hotel Association representing the hospitality sector, collaborating on hotel development, investment promotion, and industry standards.
• ARAP (Asociación de Restaurantes y Afines de Panamá)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRestaurant and related businesses association supporting gastronomic tourism development and promotion of Panama's culinary heritage.
• Viajes Auténticos and Panamá CraftedstrategicGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal tour operators and craft/ specialty producers partnering with ATP to promote tourism through Panama's specialty coffee culture and authentic travel experiences.
• Various Tour OperatorsstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVarious indigenous community tour operators including Viajes Auténticos, Tourism Guide Services, Detouroper, and others offering authentic indigenous tourism experiences under ATP's World Indigenous Peoples Day program.
• APACECOMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShopping tourism association promoting Panama as a regional shopping destination through modern shopping centers and the Colón Free Zone.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Singapore Tourism Board (STB): Statutory board under Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry responsible for tourism development and promotion. Comparable as a government DMO with regulatory and promotional responsibilities, leveraging a strategic connectivity hub positioning similar to Panama.
• ProColombia: Colombia's national promotion agency attached to the Ministry of Commerce, handling tourism investment and destination marketing. Comparable as a state-affiliated DMO with similar mandate to promote tourism in Latin America.
• Brand USA: The United States' national destination marketing organization driving inbound international tourism. Comparable as a national DMO funded through public-private partnership with a dedicated promotional budget and international marketing focus.
• Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT): Costa Rica's national tourism authority and DMO, similarly structured as a government entity responsible for tourism promotion and regulation in Central America. Directly comparable on eco-tourism positioning, government mandate, and regional competitive dynamics.
• PROMTUR Panamá: Panama's dedicated Destination Marketing Organization created by Law 9 of 2017, operating as an arm of ATP with a $20M annual trust-funded budget for international tourism promotion. Closely aligned as the operational marketing entity for the same destination.
• CPTM (Consejo de Promoción Turística de México): Mexico's national tourism promotion council focused on international destination marketing. Comparable as a national tourism DMO competing for inbound tourist share in the Americas, particularly in MICE and leisure segments.
• Ecuador Ministerio de Turismo: Ecuador's national tourism authority responsible for tourism regulation and promotion. Comparable as a Latin American government tourism entity with biodiversity-based positioning and similar regulatory/licensing scope over tour operators and guides.
• Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR): National tourism authority for the Dominican Republic with mandate for tourism promotion and regulation in the Caribbean/Central American region. Comparable as a government DMO competing in the same regional source markets.
• Visit Dubai (Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing): Government-affiliated DMO responsible for promoting Dubai internationally with a significantly larger marketing budget. Comparable as a government tourism authority with similar mandate of destination positioning and international promotion.

Broad incumbents

• VisitBritain / British Tourist Authority: UK national tourism agency funded by government for international destination marketing. Comparable as an established national DMO with mature promotional infrastructure, though operating at significantly larger scale and budget than ATP.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/atp_panama
• Facebookfacebook.com/ATPAutoridaddeTurismoPanama
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/autoridad-de-turismo-panam%C3%A1

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Autoridad De Turismo Panamá