Government auctions for March 2008:

• Auction No.08-2008- Lot No. 12
  Starting Bid: $134,147
  Bidding Date: 2008-03-06
  
  
  
• Auction No.09-2008 - Lot No. L-699
  Starting Bid: $108,650
  Bidding Date: 2008-03-14
  
  
  
• Auction No.11-2008 - Lot No. L-700
  Starting Bid: $102,500
  Bidding Date: 2008-03-27
  
  
  
• Auction No.10-2008 - Lot No.L-701
  Starting Bid: $98,788
  Bidding Date: 2008-03-31
  
  
  

The expat community in Panama is growing faster and faster each day, and with it so do the everyday conveniences and amenities geared specifically towards expats. These include a variety of clubs and social organizations including a number of charitable groups, newspapers, schools, and even an English Speaking radio Station. These lines for communication and networking can make all the difference in a successful integration to life in Panama.

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Last year was a good year for tourism in Panama and especially good for hotels, according to the President of the Panamanian Hotel Association (APATEL), Jorge Loaiza. The year closed with approximately 20% higher room occupation than 2006.

A number of new hotels are in the planning stage and the goal of the hotel sector is to reach a total of 24,000 rooms by 2010, which will bring the total jobs in the hotel industry to 180,000.

In Colon, the Radisson Colon 2000 hotel will have 102 rooms and a new $20 million Sheraton hotel will have 243 rooms.

The President of the Panamanian Tourist Chamber (CAMTUR), Jaime Campuzano said that tourism perspectives in Panama are exceptional and future success is guaranteed through understanding that the private sector be heard by the Panama Tourist Bureau (IPAT). The private sector should be allowed to take active participation in decision making that will benefit the development of such a promising industry in Panama.

Starwood Hotel & Resort Worldwide Inc. announced their plans to open a Le Meridien hotel in Panama City. The company has signed an agreement with Bern Hotels & Resorts Panama for the operation of the first Le Meridien hotel in Latinamerica.

The hotel will be located between Ave. Balboa and Calle Uruguay and will be available to the public in 2009.

The Catalan H Top Hotels group will start its international expansion with the incorporation of two hotels in Panama according to Jose Caselles, general director of the International Division of this chain.

The company will soon initiate the construction of a 400 room hotel in the Naos Island, an investment worth $40 million dollars.