Panama Should Create Tourism Schools

It is almost unfortunate that Panama was named the #1 tourism destination of 2012 by the NYT because Panama is still an infant destination, so too many people who are coming to Panama are not having a great experience, and that does have a lot to do with customer service, but i don't think some schools in the interior is going to change a lot. Panama needs to wake up to its potential and realize the powerhouse it could be in the region as an international hub.

"Every Panamanian who works in the tourism industry should simply take a trip to Costa Rica, to see how it "should" be done."

This is 100% true. I travel 3-4 times per year to Costa Rica, and they have a great way to treat tourists. Of course Panama is still kinda new to this whole business, while tourism in Costa Rica has a long tradition. Also the "Pura Vida Tico Mentality" helps...

Look at it this way: Panama City is the New York of Central America. If you want nice friendly service, go to Cleveland.

Ha,ha,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Ive been saying the same thing for years now...........and altho u do find some professional Maui/Costa Rican style tourism service in DiCameron or in Bocas del toro......in general, here, they dont quite get it..........but its a mixed bag........hard to generalize really, cuz last time i went surfin in Mata palo I got horrible service from the transport people by land and by sea to Puerto Jimenez.......and when i saw how empty the town was, it didnt take me long to figure out why..........like here, theres a few who get it and go out of their way to take care of you, but theres too many who dont give a hoot, and just never miss an opp to ream, steam and dry clean.................so its not all peaches and creams up there either........altho in general, I would have to say, the Ticos are more hospitable, and the chicas are definately ;more open minded, self assured and even flirty............sometimes here in Chiriqui, I feel like Im living in a segregated Arab society..............................with a midwest American weight problem.................

Yeah, well those flirty Costa Rican girls with their fake boobs are looking for a wealthy Gringo to take care of them and once you fall for that, then they want you to assume responsibility for their whole family and/or buy them a house, pay for their dental work, boob jobs, etc.

I lived in Costa Rica for 18 month and saw this over and over. Two of them right in my 8 unit apartment building. So it was pretty up close and personal. lol

The guys working the airport are very helpful though. Not so the grocery stores.