The huge Panama Canal expansion, along with massive growth in the real estate and tourism sectors, have put Panama on the map as a place to do business, a place to retire, as well as a place to travel to and enjoy.

The combination of booming industry, explosive growth in real estate and very strong growth in the travel sector bode well for a smooth ride during the US recession. In fact, it seems the bad news story coming out of the US is actually fuelling greater interest in economies such as Panama’s. Rather than putting on the economic brakes, Panama’s foot is firmly on the gas pedal, driving a healthy economic engine straight into the 21st century. If you are looking for real estate, tourism or other business investment opportunities, then Panama should be very near the top of your list.

Perth took first place with 85.1% occupancy, Panama City second with 84.7% occupancy and Qatar third with 84.5%.

This ranking was compiled from a list of 165 cities with the criteria being that the hotels have over 100 rooms.

And it appears that those rooms are being filled with more and more travellers choosing Panama as a travel destination, with a 36% increase over last year in visitors to Panama in the first 2 months of 2008. Some 542,000 people visited Panama during January and February compared with 500,000 during the same period in 2007.

Big hearty welcomes to all our newest neighbours and thanks for helping us reach the 70% sold mark - It is a testament to the integrity of this project, as well as a definite sign that folks the world over are looking for a different approach to life and some are finding it right here at Finca Buena Vida.

Witness the Cinta Costera (Coastal Belt) that has now begun construction along Panama City’s waterfront. It will forever change the look and feel of the downtown area. With some 25 hectares of landfill creating huge areas of greenspace for walking and bicycle trails, public parks, marinas, parking spaces, pedestrian bridges, kiosks and other public spaces, this project will enhance enormously the quality of life in the city.

The Panama government has earmarked $85 million for the project as well as another $13 million for a sewage treatment facility to compliment the Panama Bay cleanup effort that began a few years ago.

Below are photos of the shoreline of Panama City as it will look after completion of the Cinta and one of the progress that has already been made. Notice how the once waterfront Balboa monument is slowly becoming an inland location. It will eventually be relocated to again take it rightful place along Panama City’s waterfront.

The Forum’s list is based on the responsibility of the countries and gives Panama a positive profile for fiscal responsibility and that is always good news for international investors.”

Aeroflot: Russia’s airline now offers flights from Moscow via Havana, Cuba.

Aires: direct flights between Cartegena, Columbia and Barranquilla with connecting flights to Aruba and Curacao.

Air Panama: direct flights between Panama and Costa Rica.

American Airlines: direct flights from Miami with connecting flights throughout the Americas.

Avianca: direct flights between all Central American destinations.

Continental Airlines: direct flights between Miami and New York.

Copa Airlines: direct flights between Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, Havana, Mexico, Guatemala, San Salvador, San Jose, Kingston, Port Au Prince, Santo Domingo, Caracas, Cartegena, Lima, Buenos Aires, Sao Paolo, Cancun and New York.

Delta Airlines: direct flights from Atlanta.

Grupo Taco: direct flights between all Central American destinations

Iberia: Direct flights between Miami and New York with connections between Europe.

KLM: Since March 2008, KLM offers direct flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between Panama and Amsterdam.

LLOYD AREA BOLIVIANO: Direct flights between Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.

NATURE AIR: Direct flights between Panama and Costa Rica.

Click here to read the revised and expanded FAQ section. It answers many of the most common questions we get from folks looking for titled land for sale or real estate in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

And enjoy the new and improved FAQ section!

The cloud formations worked out perfectly - feels a little like those amazing shots of the universe from Hubble a few years back.

This shot is taken from behind the seaside lounge heading toward the oceanfront rental cabins we have almost finished here on Dolphin Bay in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

And this shot is from cabin cuerpo.

Go to www.impactofilms.com for more info on the documentary as well as the filmmaker’s other projects. It has funding from PBS and is scheduled to air later this year. Depending on what the editor decides, you may even see me, Luna and Zuul in some of the shots.