Portobelo joins the World Network of Emerging Destinations and marks a milestone for Panama

On February 3, 2026, Panama reached a new milestone for tourism with the incorporation of Portobelo into the World Network of Emerging Destinations, becoming the 13th destination in the network and the first in the country to be part of this international initiative.

The official signing took place at Linton Bay Marina, during an event attended by Cristóbal Valencia Jiménez, president of the Portobelo Costa Arriba Tourism Chamber, and Miguel Ledhesma, founder of the World Network of Emerging Destinations, who signed the agreement that formally integrates the historic Caribbean city into this global tourism development platform. 

With this addition, Portobelo joins a network that already includes Popayán, Candelaria, Riofrío, Trujillo, Buga, and Nariño in Colombia; San Javier, Concepción de la Sierra, and Valle Encantado in Misiones, Argentina; the Macondo Route of the Greater Colombian Caribbean; Macedo in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Caxias, Brazil,consolidating an international community of territories with a strong cultural identity and a commitment to sustainable growth.    

The World Network of Emerging Destinations pursues two major strategic objectives. On the one hand, member destinations gain access to the media outlets of the WTJO to promote their heritage, identity, and tourism offerings internationally. On the other, residents of each destination receive free lifetime access to training programs aimed at learning how to communicate, highlight the value of their territory, and become active protagonists in local tourism development.  

The incorporation of Portobelo represents a key opportunity to showcase its historical, cultural, and intangible heritage to the world, strengthening the link between community, communication, and tourism, and positioning Panama within a global network committed to destinations with soul, memory, and a future.