Panama's economy slowed in February to grow at a 2.59 percent rate from the same month a year earlier as the global economic crisis bit, but by no means has stopped. The number of tourists entering the country has grown 3.3% in 2009 compared to the first three months of 2008, according to figures provided by the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP).

Last year, tourism growth was in the double digits. The economy overall registered the highest growth in the Americas, with 11.5% growth in 2007 and 9.5% growth in 2008. This year, the Comptroller of the Nation has reported that Panama’s economy still grew by 4.9% in January 2009.

Panama is weathering the storm much better than other Latin American nations. The government of Argentina reported a whopping 22.1% drop in its tourism numbers in February of this year.

The Panama Tourism Authority announced the winners of its contest “The ten wonders of Panama”, which aimed to select the best tourist site in each one the nine provinces.

The voting was done using the interactive web site of the Tourism Authority where people were able to vote for their favorite place.

The competition aimed to promote tourism in the provinces, because the majority of the advertisement resources are concentrated in the capital city.

The ten winning sites will receive a combined prize of $1 million for a period of three years to advertise and promote an internal tourism campaign for the chosen sites.

The ten winning places are: Colon, the San Lorenzo Fort; Bocas del Toro, Pajaro Island; Chiriqui, Las Calderas de Gualaca; Darien, Las Piñas Bay; Herrera, Santo Domingo church; Los Santos, Santa Librada church; Panama, Bayano Lake; Veraguas, San Francisco de la Montaña church and Cocle, Basilica Menor de Santiago.

By Aimee Arnold - Living Made Simple

Keeping active and physically fit is something that we should all do, but making time to do so is something different all together. For some, working out is a part of their routine and for others (like me) it’s a grueling task. But forget failed resolutions! Panama is a great place to begin again and set goals to make physical activity a priority.

Physical fitness does not have to be torture. There are so many different methods to get in shape! And the good news is that Panama is much like the first world in this aspect – you can find a wide selection of classes.

For those who enjoy basic cardiovascular classes and weightlifting, there are several reasonably priced gyms here in Panama. The most important factor in choosing a gym is that it is close to your home or on your daily route. But I usually lack the stamina to stick with cardio and weight training routines at traditional gyms. I’m not well versed on how to use the machines and it all feels a little overwhelming with the buff weightlifting fanatics pulling out sets at 90 pound intervals! And those step-type aerobics classes! Hats off to those of you who are brave enough to participate! How do you learn the movements of all those steps?

I need a little special attention in this area and in Panama there are specialty wellness centers that I recommend starting out with. They are less overwhelming and provide added benefits such as stress and pain management, teaching us to find peace in our breathing and in the movement of our bodies! While there are several great techniques such as Yoga and dance, one such activity that I’ve become a huge fan of since moving to Panama is Pilates. I used to suffer with intense back pain and a tiring overall feeling of weakness. It’s amazing to see how Pilates transformed not only my body but also the way I see the incredible design of the human body.

While Pilates works you out, it’s relaxing and not overly exhausting. It strengthens the muscles while generating flexibility and range of motion. It assists us in consciously connecting our bodies with the healing and regenerative power of oxygen through our breathing and blood circulation. It’s amazing to realize we have over 600 muscles in our bodies (some of them we don’t ever even use!). Pilates teaches us how to connect with and strengthen even the tiniest ones of those muscles so that we can be functioning at 100% capacity!

There are different types of Pilates: mat workouts, with balance balls as well as on sophisticated machines. I’ve taken both mat and machine classes at several Pilates studios throughout Panama City, including a wonderfully refreshing and invigorating class outdoors at the park in Clayton! Pilates is for young and old as well as those who are pregnant or suffering with ailments/injuries. And guys, contrary to what you may think, these techniques are not created for women… men will find the same benefits and the classes just as fulfilling.

I know how it feels to be out of shape and to feel low on energy and out of balance and it absolutely sucks! Life is so much better when we take care of ourselves physically which assists us in lifting our spirits mentally and emotionally. When you get a chance, take a moment to Google “Pilates” to learn in more detail what it’s all about or if Pilates doesn’t interest you, keep searching until you find something that sings to you.

If you need a recommendation on where to find a reputable Pilates studio near you or any other recommendations for gyms/physical fitness, please feel free to write in to me at info@livingmadesimple.com. Have a great week! Enjoy!

Since 2000 - when Panama took over the administration of the Canal - until 2008, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has made direct contributions to the State for $3,934 million. This amount is 75% of the cost of the expansion program which amounts to $5,250 million. These contributions come from the excess profits of each fiscal year, payments for services rendered by the State (such as garbage collection), and one U.S. dollar per net tonne passing through.

Additional to the direct contributions, the ACP also pays income taxes, social security quotas and educational insurance for its workers, which between 2004 to 2008 totaled $1,102 million. The sum of all contributions to the State from the Canal over eight years totals $5,036 million, according to the ACP.