The very charming Ambassador of the Republic of Panama,
Francisco Carlo Escobar Pedreschi, with Gabriel Hegewisch, Toronto Pearson's Station Manager for Copa Airlines
Ricardo A. Gonzalez M., Sales Manager, Radisson Summit Hotel & Golf Panama with Christine Jeynes and Mary Montgomery of CTC Travel Group
A Panamanian band entertained the guests
Traditionally costumed Panamanian dancers performed for the presentation's grand finale.
After the presentation, guests mingled while awaiting the fantastic Copa Airlines draw.
Travel industry elites gathered Thursday evening in the elegant Regency Ballroom of Yorkville’s Four Seasons hotel to be captivated by the colourful culture of Panama. Our friends from Copa Airlines and the Authority of Tourism Panama travelled almost 4,000 km. to bring us the Copa Airlines, Toronto Roadshow.
Fruit punch flowed as vendors from select Panama hotels and resorts showcased their facilities. Guests were greeted with a souvenir, beaded bracelet and warm welcoming smiles, “Hola, comó estás?”
“In Panama, everyone is happy,” said Melva Mendez, a promoter from the Panama Authority of Tourism. “It is where work meets play.”
While Panama has everything tourists can ask for in a sun-filled destination, the same goes for businessmen and of course, businesswomen. Panama City has one of the most modern infrastructures in the Americas and one of the highest levels of security in the region.
As if Melva’s presentation hadn’t already sold us on a Panama getaway, a Panamanian band and traditionally costumed Panamanian dancers led us into the cocktail hour, where guests mingled, sipped on wine and nibbled on hors d’oeuvres. We also had the privilege to rub shoulders with the very charming (and very handsome) Ambassador of Panama, Francisco Carlo Escobar Pedreschi.
It’s little wonder they refer to Panama as the Crown Jewel of the Americas. And what better way to get to this treasure than with Panama’s official air carrier, Copa Airlines.
Copa is expanding and will serve 57 destinations and 28 countries by the end of this year. And as of this summer, the airline is offering 4 weekly non-stop flights to Tocumen Panama International Airport from YYZ. With complimentary in-flight amenities such as food and beverage service, movie and music selections for entertainment, and an on-time performance of over 90%, Canadians should say “pretty please” to Panama and go coo coo for Copa.
