Spanish hotel chain bets for the growth of Panama’s tourism industry

Panama continues being one of the main magnets for investments in hospitality, as demonstrated with the construction of the Gran Evenia Panama hotel on the grounds of the former Aparthotel Las Vegas.

Toni Pérez, CEO of Evenia Hotels (the Spanish company engaged in the construction of the new property), explained that the Gran Evenia Panama “will appeal to exclusive tourism,” thanks to its chic and innovative concept. He stated, “The idea was to build a hotel that is somewhat different from those in the area. We wished not to compete with 4-star hotels, and thus decided to go for a 5-hotel property, thinking on the profiles of those who chose to lodge in the vicinity of Vía España. We will give a special emphasis to the culinary arts, fusing local flavors –which, we know, are rather good—with those of the Mediterranean region.

Although the hotel falls under the boutique category (with a range of between 100 and 120 guestrooms,) the Gran Evenia Panama will cater to the needs of business people and will increase the installed capacity of the country’s MICE industry with several small meeting rooms and one hall for plenary sessions with capacity for 100 people.

Evenia Hotels’ investment in Panama is the result of the firm’s close relationship with the country, through which its directors have learned, in a comprehensive manner, the behavior of one of the most stable economies of the region –a fact demonstrated by the investment’s timing, when the pace of economic growth has diminished somewhat vis-a-vis previous years.

Pérez explained, “We have been looking into Panama since 2008 and were, in fact, the initiators of the present Hotel Central in Panama City’s Old Quarter. In the end, our pick was for the former Aparthotel Las Vegas. Its strategic location in the banking and hotel district is what caught our attention the most.” He continued:

“The country has indeed diminished the incredible growth rates it exhibited a few years ago, a fact that is reflected in lower guestroom prices; however, I’m pretty sure that, with the new convention center, corporate clients will begin to arrive at all hotels, especially when large events take place.” Our idea in Panama is to start with this property and move on to another project in Panama City.”

Located on the corner of Vía Veneto and Calle Eric del Valle, the Gran Evenia Panama hotel will be within walking distance from excellent restaurants, cinemas, theaters, bars, and parks. It will be also close to the Iglesia del Carmen metro station, through which guests can gain access to the city’s main shopping and entertainment districts, in addition to providing future access to Tocumen International Airport. The Evenia hotel chain has served Spain’s tourism industry for 40 years and owns 18 hotels in Spain, Portugal, and Andorra. The new Panama property will be its sole operation in the region, although it is expected to engage in future investments in Colombia and Mexico

Imágenes Relacionadas: