In a strategic step to strengthen the economic development of rural areas, the Agrotourism Coordination of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) in the province of Panama West, in partnership with the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP), has formalized a key advance in the certification of the rural tourism offer.

Following an exhaustive technical evaluation and follow-up tour, the authorities confirmed that 15 agritourism farms have successfully complied with all the technical recommendations, thus ensuring their renewal and official accreditation before the State.

This inspection process not only validates the infrastructure of the establishments but also certifies the commitment of local producers to maintaining agricultural activity as the core of their business. For a farm to be considered an agritourism destination under Panamanian standards, it must demonstrate that its primary operation remains agricultural production or animal husbandry, using tourism as an educational and recreational tool that complements the family economy. The progress observed during this tour reflects a professionalization of the sector, where the producer is no longer merely a supplier of raw materials but rather a host offering value-added experiences.

The importance of this accreditation process lies in the fact that it is the only mechanism that guarantees visitors the safety and quality of services in rural areas. An accredited farm not only has the endorsement of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) and the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) to operate legally, but also gains access to a platform of benefits that includes promotion in international tourism catalogs and access to incentives for sustainable development. Without this certification, the activity risks becoming informal, which would affect the destination’s reputation and the safety of tourists seeking authentic experiences in nature and rural life.

Furthermore, these 15 now accredited farms serve as an engine for the economy of their districts, by consuming local inputs and promoting the conservation of the regional ecosystem.

With these actions, the region guarantees the continuity of a growth model that does not compromise its natural resources. Sustainability, the central pillar of the Agritourism Law in Panama, allows the province of Panama Oeste to position itself as a benchmark for green tourism, attracting a conscious traveler profile that values ​​transparency in food production and direct support for national producers. This joint effort between the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) and the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) ensures that rural tourism is not just a passing fad, but a solid and certified pillar of the national economy by 2026.