Panama: New Convention Center

©image: Marc Veraart

Two reasons were indicated by the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) for building a new conventions center: the low capacity of the center in use now, Atlapa Conventions Center, and the fact that it generates yearly losses of $1 million.

"For now, ATP will not disclose location of the facility, however, they indicated that three well located, unused lots are being studied", published Elsiglo.com. "The new center would have a modular architecture, in blocks of 50.000 square meters. So, each mini module must have at least 12.500 square meters."

Source: elsiglo.com

More on this topic

Atlapa Would Have Private Operator

September 2009

Administered by Panama's Tourism Authority, ATLAPA Conventions Center losses $1 million each year.

Salomón Shamah, manager of the Panamanian Tourism Authority, said in an article in Laestrella.com.pa that "ATLAPA is occupied 360 days each year, however it generates yearly losses of $1 million", and recommended that "administration of ATLAPA Conventions Center should be given in concession to a private operator".

For Sale - Atlapa Convention Center

November 2011

In order to finance the construction of a new convention center, the Panamanian government has decided to sell Atlapa.

The first step will be to negotiate a sale with tourist groups so that the center can be retained, then if this venture is not successful a best value tender will be created.

Panama: Conventions Center Project Moves Forward

September 2009

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) is working on the project's sketch, which will be the basis for the public bidding process.

The new conventions center is expected to be operating in 2013, with an exhibit area of 15.000 square meters.

Ernesto Orillac, main adviser for the Panamanian Tourism Authority, argued that "...Panama must have a world class convention center, considering that this type of tourism is the one who spends the most and stays the longest in the country".

Panama: $ 2 Million for Atlapa Convention Center

February 2011

Given the delay in construction of the new convention center, the government will invest in remodeling Atlapa.

A commission was formed by the Tourism Authority, the Panamanian Chamber of Tourism and the Panamanian Association of Hotels which will study the case and give recommendations on the work needed, estimated to cost about $ 2 million.