PANAMA’S  Tourism Authority (ATP)  believes that tourism promotion, like charity, begins at home.

It has approved $ 299,000 for the purchase of radio spots aimed at improving tourist services in the country.

Earlier it  spent $50,000 to promote Panama on the US red carpet of the film 'Hands of Stone', which got a luke warm reception in North America

According to information in Purchase Panama, the media buy is 8,320 monthly 30 second spots  each, which will be broadcast on 81 stations (AM and FM) in the Panamanian  Broadcasting Association The Association  consists of 37 stations in Panama City, 23 in the  central provinces, four in Colón, 15 in Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro two.

The approved contract lasts eight months and began on September 1.

"A visitor well received and attended can give good references with the activities taking place in our country and report on the great experience lived in the various regions of the country", said Tourism administrator , Gustavo Him.

"Every year the number of tourists entering the country increases and it is our responsibility to inform and train the population on the importance of  every tourist who comes to our country. The population must realize  that each tourist represents an economic and social growth opportunity both personally and collectively”said Him.