PANAMA CITY
Welcome to Panama City!
A land radiating with life, perfectly imperfect, and full of authenticity. Where Northern and Southern worlds connect, old and new worlds coexist, and cosmopolitan landscapes live in harmony with wild, untamed rainforests. A land where 24% of the country is managed by the indigenous people allowing them to live in protected territories, all over the country to practice ancestral forms of government, preserve dances and songs, and hold on to their deep beliefs and cultural expressions, while also having a say in the running of the country.
Panama is located on an isthmus joining Central America and South America. It is bordered on the north by the Caribbean Sea and on the south by the Pacific Ocean. By land it borders on the east with Colombia and on the west with Costa Rica.
A country for those who seek beyond expectations, that dares you to see more. Taste more. Connect more. Feel more. Panamá is not the destination, but the journey to discover more of what truly matters.
Panamá. Live for More.
VENUE
All NCM sessions will be taking place at the Westin Playa Bonita Hotel where room options are available for ocean view and forest view.
Westin Playa Bonita
Surrounded by many of the city’s most prominent destinations, The Westin Playa Bonita Panama offers guests an idyllic retreat on the golden sands of Playa Bonita Beach. The Pacific Ocean and lush, tropical rainforests are only steps away from the doors. Delegates will delight in one of the three infinity-edge pools, six restaurants and Sensory Spa. Discover your best self in one of our 611 rooms and suites, which offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean or rainforest, as well as 24-hour room service, flat-panel TVs and pillowtop mattresses.
Amenities
- Luxury wellness and spa facilities
- Multiple restaurant and dining options
- 3 outdoor pools
- 24 hour fitness center
- Westin Family services, including scheduled activities and events for children. Note, children under 10 years of age must have adult supervision.
- On site childcare can be booked in advance with the hotel for $20/hour per child (eligible for Family Care grant)
- Complimentary parking for those who rent a car
Rates
Forest View Rooms
$140USD for single occupancy/$155USD for double occupancy
Ocean View Rooms
$150USD for single occupancy/$165USD for double occupancy
Rate does not include applicable local taxes or housekeeping charges ($2USD per day) but does include a breakfast buffet
Interested in Roomshare?
Interested in finding fellow delegates to share hotel rooms with during NCM 2025? If so, please fill out our Roomshare form
Getting Here
Getting to Panama City, Panama
Panamá has one of the most advanced airport infrastructures in Latin America: Tocumen International Airport (PTY), the best-connected airport in Latin America, offering more direct destinations and international flight frequencies than any other hub in the region, with convenient flight schedules. Panamá’s geographic location and favorable weather conditions allow the airport to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
2500 weekly flights
89 Direct Destinations, 15 of which are in the United States
Getting to Venue
Access from Tocumen International Airport to the Westin Playa Bonita Hotel
Tocumen Airport is approximately 22km from the Westin Playa Bonita hotel. Car rental, cabs, and ride share services are available for transportation from the airport to the hotel.
Cabs – can be hired outside the arrivals area of the airport. Anticipated taxi costs will be approximately $50 USD depending on the time of day. Ride share services are available in Panama but are not authorized from the airport.
Bus – A public transportation bus is available for visitors to Panama. A prepaid ticket must be purchased prior to leaving the airport and should be expected to take over an hour in the best traffic times. Public transportation is not the easiest method of transportation from the airport to the hotel.
Shuttle Bus – There is a shuttle bus service from the airport to the Metromall Shopping Center (approximately 15 minutes from the airport). This service is only available at certain times and will still require further transportation methods to get to the Westin Playa Bonita.
Car Rentals – A variety of car rental companies service Panama City and cars can be rented in advance.
Transportation by Panamazing DMC
Panamazing DMC is pleased to offer NCM 2025 Meeting participants a special pricing for roundtrip transfers from Tocumen International Airport to Westin Playa Bonita hotel. Click the button below for additional important information and to book your transfers.
We look forward to welcoming NCM 2025 Meeting participants in our beautiful country.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
To enjoy your trip to Panama, all delegates must comply with the following documents and regulations:
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- Valid passport within at least six months of expiration
- Return ticket to the country of origin or the next destination to visit
- Proof of economic solvency of at least five hundred dollars (USD $500.00) in cash, credit card, bank reference, work letter, or traveler’s checks. Some nationalities must present a higher amount. We recommend validating this information with the consulate of Panamá in your country or with your airline.
- Address of the place of lodging and purpose of travel.
- Some nationalities must present a tourist visa before their trip to Panamá. If this is your case, we recommend going directly to the Panamanian consulate in your country. For any other query, visit the National Migration Service of Panamá page or check with your airline.
- The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all people traveling from Brazil, who must present the international vaccination certificate issued by ANVISA at least 10 days before arrival.
- For more information, visit Tocumen Panamá.
Panama has an agreement with a variety of countries for visa exemption and does not require individuals to apply for a visa if they have a visa issued by certain nations. Please click here for further information. It is suggested that if you are uncertain, please contact a Panamanian consulate in your country for clarification. The NCM Secretariat and Podium Conference Specialists will provide assistance in obtaining visas in the form of support letters upon request. We recommend you request the letter as soon as possible to avoid delays.
To request a visa support letter please email us
Getting Around
The Westin Playa Bonita is located just outside the main city of Panama but is a short cab or ride share from the city center and old town (Casca Vieja).
Cabs and ride shares are plentiful through Panama CIty and it is commonly used to get around.
Local Info
Learn More
If you’d like to learn more about the locale, please follow the link below to the Panama tourism site
Tipping is expected in Panama City with the standard tip of 15% of the bill.
The currency in Panama City is the Panamanian Balboa but the US dollar is also accepted. The Balboa and US dollar are tied at 1:1 ratio.
Major credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments but it is suggested to always carry a small amount of cash and check before ordering.
Under Panamanian law, smoking is restricted. You are not allowed to smoke or vape in public places, including public transportation, as well as at outdoor dining spaces and sports venues.
110 Volt electricity, 60 Hz
Panama operates on Eastern Standard Time all year round.