Panama has declared different parts of the country as Special Tourism Zones which can receive multiple tax exemptions holidays among other benefits, which include:
- Property taxes exemption including land
- Income tax exemption for a period of 15 years
- 20 years exemption from Import taxes including the Sales tax ( 5%)
- 20 Years Income Tax Exemption originated by the interests charged by creditors in the tourism activity investment
- Exemption from liens due to the use of docks or airports built by the company
The Special Tourism Zones are:
Zone 1, La Amistad: Located in the provinces of Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro, characterized by the presence of La Amistad International Park and Baru National Park. The structure is composed of 61 attractions (47 are natural and 14 are cultural) which make this zone propitious for ecological tourism.
The main areas of this zone are concentrated in Boquete and to a lesser extent Cerro Punta, Volcan and the Sereno River.
Zone 2, Bastimentos: The province of Bocas del Toro has one of the largest Marine Parks in the country which includes beach areas, reefs and the presence of the Afroantillian culture which is most present in the architecture of the city of Bocas del Toro.
The tourist areas of this zone are made up of 78 attractions (58 are natural and 20 are cultural), predominating sandy, white beaches and crystalline waters which are ideal for diving and ecological tourism.
Zone 3, Arco Seco: The Arco Seco is conformed by the coastal areas of the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos, unique for their traditions and socio-cultural events which attract large amounts of visitors.
Zone 4, Farallon: Farallon includes 80 kilometres of Pacific Coast, distributed between the provinces of Panama and Cocle. Its tourist potential is comprised of 24 natural attractions of which 17 are beaches and the remaining attractions are in the area of the Anton Valley for ecological tourism.
Zone 5, Metropolitan: The principal attractions are related with Panama City, shopping, business activities, historical and cultural attractions as well as the natural parks that surround it. This zone has 126 attractions (72 are natural and 54 cultural).
Zone 6, Portobelo: Portobello is located in the province of Colon; it consists of beaches and innumerable diving areas, a National park and an assembly of Historical Monuments. Zone 6 accounts for 82 attractions (54 are natural and 28 are cultural) mainly reefs for underwater explorations and ruins of the forts of Portobelo.
Zone 7, San Blas: The Caribbean of the Kunas, an exotic place due to its islands and areas of corral reefs and white sandy beaches guards one of the most traditional and native of the Americas.
There are 200 attractions in this zone (173 are natural and 27 are cultural). Its potential is characterized by more than 300 coral based islands and associated white sandy beaches.
Zone 8, Archipelago de Las Perlas: Composed of more than 30 islands and 83 beaches in the Pearl Island Archipelago, complimented by ample coral reefs and innumerable sport fishing areas. Zone 8 is made up of 136 attractions all of which are natural, characterized by beaches and fishing spots.
Zone 9, Darien: The tourist potential of this zone is made up of 72 attractions (39 natural and 33 cultural). The main attraction is the Darien National Park declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve ideal for the ecological and adventure tourism, additionally it integrating the indigenous groups that live in this zone.
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