At the heart of Coclé province, the Scarlett Martínez International Airport has transformed the tourism dynamics of the region since its reopening in 2013. What started as a U.S. military base in 1942 has evolved into one of the most strategic connection hubs for national and international tourism, opening new doors to the economic and tourism development of the area.
Norberto Cano, its manager, points out that “the airport has been a fundamental catalyst for the growth of tourism in the province. Since we received our first international flight in 2014, we have seen a constant increase in the number of visitors, especially from key markets like Canada.”
The reopening of the airport with its first flight from the Canadian airline Sunwing Airlines in April 2014 marked the beginning of a new era for the region. In the first six months of this year, more than 21,857 visitors from Canada have arrived through this airport, and a 59% increase is projected during the high season. These numbers reflect the growing interest in Coclé as a tourist destination, with an offer that goes beyond idyllic beaches, encompassing everything from golf courses and eco-trails to world-class hotels.
The strategic plan that has driven this growth has been focused on promoting charter flights, both for national and international tourists. This has not only strengthened Coclé’s tourism industry, but has also allowed the region to stand out as one of the areas with the greatest residential and tourism potential in the country.
The Scarlett Martínez airport not only connects the province with international destinations, but also facilitates domestic flights that link six international airports and 24 landing strips throughout Panama. This connectivity has been crucial in attracting tourists who seek to explore other marvels of the country, such as the San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro, and Pedasí.
In addition to international airlines like Sunwing and Transat, the airport is a point of operation for several national airlines, such as Air Panamá and Fly Trip, which allows for greater flexibility in the mobility of travelers within and outside the country. Cano highlights that “the diversity of destinations and the ability to connect to any part of the world has been key to positioning Coclé as a growing tourism hub.”
The airport is not lagging behind in terms of infrastructure. It offers a terminal equipped with all the essential services for passengers, from service modules, immigration and customs, to car rental, taxi, and bus services. Additionally, for the airlines, the Civil Aeronautics provides platform assistance services, fuel supply, and aircraft cleaning. All of this ensures a smooth experience for both travelers and the airlines operating at the terminal.
“The objective has always been to provide a quality experience from the moment the visitor sets foot on Panamanian soil,” says Cano. “We strive to maintain the highest standards of service to ensure that tourists not only enjoy their stay, but also feel that their trip is starting in the best possible way.”
As tourism continues to grow in the province, the Scarlett Martínez Airport continues to play a crucial role in attracting new markets. With the support of the Tourism Authority and the Coclé Tourism Chamber, packages are being promoted that include visits to destinations such as Bocas del Toro, San Blas, and the central provinces, all with charter flights scheduled from the tourists’ countries of origin.
“We are working to expand our presence in markets such as Europe, South America, and the United States,” comments Cano. “Coclé has a lot to offer, and our airport is the gateway to all these experiences.”
Thanks to the connectivity and world-class services it offers, the Scarlett Martínez Airport is consolidating itself as a key player in the tourism promotion of Coclé, and its future is full of opportunities to continue developing tourism in the region.
