News

A big player in the travel club market is opening its first resorts in Panama over the next two years, as Panama tourism business continues to explode.

The Unlimited Vacation Club, a subsidiary of AMResorts, plans to include two Panama resorts in its global portfolio, both within easy driving distance of downtown Panama City. The adults-only Secrets Playa Bonita Panama, due to open in December, will feature 303 rooms, “five freeform swimming pools with spectacular Pacific Ocean views, a private beach, lush tropical walkways, ocean-view suites, meeting facilities and 10,000 square-foot spa,” according to a company press release.

Unlimited is also planning to launch the Dream Bonaventura, in Farallon, about a 90-minute drive from the city, in 2016. The new resort will offer 614 rooms in the gated Bonaventura community, which includes a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and a full-service equestrian center.

Described as “an exclusive travel club,” Unlimited offers members “preferred rates, free nights and access to exclusive partner offers” at its resorts. The expansion will mark the seventh country for AMResorts add exemplifies “its mission to establish its brand of hospitality excellence in new and desirable leisure markets.”

AMResorts has been discussing plans to move into Panama for months and it’s good to see the company following through on its commitment. Whether you are a fan of the club concept or not, it’s always good to see more international companies establishing a beachhead in Panama.

People forget that on an international scale, Panama is still a relatively young market. But the tourism industry is growing rapidly and we’re seeing many of the world’s biggest brands move aggressively to establish a stronger presence in Panama.

What does this mean for the property market? More tourism companies translates as more efforts to promote the beauty and attributes of Panama. And that sends a ripple effect through the entire industry – more flights, more tourists checking out the wonders of the country… and more people interested in buying property here.

Duncan McGowan is president of Punta Pacifica Realty, a Panama real estate agency focused on Punta Pacifica, the exclusive neighborhood of 18 towers perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.