TOURISM SUPPLY CHAIN IN PANAMA LOGISTICS, OPERATIONS, AND VISITOR EXPERIENTIAL VALUE

Abstract

This article analyzes the tourism supply chain in Panama, integrating perspectives from operations management, tourism management, and integrated logistics. Using a qualitative documentary approach, academic sources and institutional reports are reviewed to contextualize the role of logistics and operations in the Panamanian tourism industry, as well as their impact on visitor experience. The article discusses how logistics components (transportation, supplies, services, information) and operational processes (flow, time, and resource management) impact the quality of the tourism experience and the destination's competitiveness. The results show that adequate coordination of the tourism value chain—from trip planning to the provision of services at the destination—is crucial for providing satisfactory experiences to tourists. Local examples, such as the expansion of Tocumen International Airport and the practices of tour operators coordinating transportation, accommodations, and tours, illustrate improvements in logistics efficiency and customer service. The discussion compares these findings with theoretical models of tourism supply chains, highlighting best practices and emphasizing the importance of sustainability, technology adoption, and cross-sector collaboration. It concludes with recommendations for optimizing Panama's tourism supply chain through an integrated approach that articulates public, private, and community stakeholders, improving the visitor experience in a sustainable and efficient manner.

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