(Newsroom Panama) Some 558 000 tourists planted their feet on Panamanian soil during the first quarterof this year, up by 49,000 (9.7%) over the same period in 2010, setting the country on target for passing the two million barrier,
In March 176,000 tourists,arrived, 6000 (14,8%) more than the same period last year.
Tourism spending has also increased, to $488 million,in the first quarter $49 million (11.1%) more than in the same period in 2010.
The increase is accompanied with a big increase in hotel construction with 13 new facilities expected to open this year, creating employment opportunities but putting a strain on the availability of trained staff.