Panama received 558,000 tourists during the first quarter of 2011, representing an increase of 9.7% or 49,000 tourists more than during the same period last year.

The figure, published by the Comptroller General of the Republic, would be in line with the expectations of the Government and the tourism industry, and they expect during 2011 to exceed for the first time the barrier of more than 2 million tourists received in the country. In March alone 176,000 tourists entered Panama, 6,000 more than the same period last year.

Especially important was the growth of cruise ship passengers during March, with 6,000 more than last year, an increase of 14.8%. Tourist spending has also increased considerably. In the first quarter tourists spent $488 million dollars in Panama, representing an increase of 11.1% or $49 million more than during the same period in 2010. The increase of tourists will be accompanied growth in the industry. This year 13 new hotels will open in Panama. (La Prensa)