Starwood started an aggressive expansion with twelve new hotel projects in in Latin America; Mexico, Central America -and South America.

This growth aligns with Starwood’s strategy to expand its global footprint in international markets and capture business in some of Latin America’s most desirable emerging markets. Starwood is the largest and fastest growing hotel company in its segment in Latin America.

Notable projects in Latin America include the first W in South America and the first Westin in Mexico City. Westin is also opening its first hotel in Honduras, while St. Regis is adding three new hotels in the region, including one in Costa Rica. Le Meridien, Sheraton and Four Points by Sheraton are also adding new properties in Latin Read more

Land in Panama is not taxable if the value of the property is $30,000 or less. Property valued above that is taxable. Improvements like a house may have an exoneration for up to 20 years so this comment is only about the land not the improvements. In the past it has been a benefit to both the buyer and seller to minimize the on paper value of a land sale. Lower captial gains for the seller, lower or no property taxes to the buyer.

Enter change. Property owners have until December 2007 to have their property reappraised to market value. This provides the owner a tax free increase in basis which will reduce the capital gains on sale, but if Read more

Barranquilla – The Panamanian Minister of Agricultural Development, Guillermo Salazar, met representatives of the Cooperativa de Servicios Múltiples de Puerto Armuelles (Coosemupar), to discuss the alternatives to convert the unproductive areas of banana into palm oil plantations. Members of the cooperative of palm oil producers of Chiriqui (Coopemapachi) also assisted to the meeting. The exchange of ideas will allow Coosemupar evaluating the possibility to convert in the medium term the current 2,000 hectares of unproductive areas. Coopemapachi has 1,600 hectares of palm oil and have the scale to triple the current production, argued Mr. Salazar.

via FreshPlaza

In his first visit to the Republic of Panama and the Panama Canal on Sunday, U.N. Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon accompanied by Panamanian President Martín Torrijos, emphasized his support for the historic Canal expansion and highlighted the importance of the transoceanic waterway in global trade.

“This Canal has made a great contribution to the world trade and movement of the international community,” the South Korean dignitary wrote in his message as he signed the guestbook at the Miraflores Locks Control House.

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By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com – Today I interviewed Lic. Karen Zamora, the Chief of Investigation for Panama’s Department of Immigration, regarding the recent changes to the tourist visa law. She said they can instantly check the status of any tourist in Panama using a new and sophisticated computer system. They capture the tourist movement data at entry points such as Tocumen Airport and Paso Canoas for every entry and exit, and they have the technology to instantly check on the status of any tourist in the country at any time (pretty cool). She demonstrated the technology using a mock suspect, and said “he last entered in January and has not left, so he’s currently illegal.â€? They can also now Read more

We finally have received our Jubilado Visas! Gone are the monthly trips to immigration for renewal of temporary Visas.

The “Jubilado Visa” is a permanent tourist visa. It allows a holder to stay in Panama indefinitely without exiting the country. In fact, exiting requires another visa entirely. As a holder you are not an immigrant in any real sense, just a tourist with some benefits.

One major benefit not listed below is that you do not need to leave Panama every 90 days for 3 days to re-enter as a tourist.

Here is the official list of benefits.

PANAMA CITY, May 24 /PRNewswire/ — Vista Mar Golf & Beach Resort today announced the real estate launch of Las Brisas at Vista Mar, Panama’s newest oceanfront resort condominium project. Located within the gated oceanfront community of Vista Mar Golf & Beach Resort, Las Brisas at Vista Mar will rise above the 18-hole championship golf course designed by J. Michael Poellot. Each luxury residence will command panoramic views of the golf course and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Las Brisas residences are available for purchase with prices starting at $288,700 USD for a 1,765-square-foot, two-bedroom condominium. Penthouses start at $563,600 USD for a 3,018-square-foot condominium.

The two- and three-bedroom and penthouse condominiums include owner option to seal off one Read more