Strategic Location: Panama serves as a bridge between North and South America and has a strategic geographic position that enhances its appeal as a hub for international tourism. This location advantage provides students with a unique perspective on global tourism trends.
Booming Tourism Sector: Panama's economy relies significantly on tourism, with well-developed infrastructure supporting this industry, including the famous Panama Canal, numerous islands, rainforests, and historical sites. This environment offers practical learning experiences and opportunities for hands-on training.
Cultural Diversity: Panama is culturally diverse, hosting communities from various global backgrounds. This multicultural setting is ideal for hospitality and tourism students, as it prepares them to work in a globalized service industry.
Language Skills: While Spanish is the primary language, Panama's tourism industry operates bilingually due to its significant expat and tourist populations. Studying here provides an excellent opportunity to enhance Spanish and English language skills, crucial in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Career Opportunities: The hospitality, tourism, and events industries in Panama are robust, with continual growth. Graduates can find career opportunities not only in Panama but also in Latin America and beyond, in various roles such as event management, hotel and resort management, tourism marketing, and more.
Networking Potential: Panama frequently hosts international conferences and events, drawing professionals from around the world. Students can network with industry leaders and professionals, providing pathways to internships and employment after graduation.
Government Support and Incentives: The Panamanian government actively supports tourism through various initiatives and investments, ensuring the industry’s growth and sustainability. This governmental backing can mean more resources and opportunities for those studying and working in the field.
University Name |
Course Program |
Specialization |
---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Hotel Management, Tourism Management |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
Event Management, Sustainable Tourism |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Hospitality Management, Tourism Business |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
Culinary Arts, Travel Management |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Cultural Tourism, Eco-Tourism |
Universidad Latina de Ciencias y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Events Planning, Tourism Development |
Universidad del Istmo (UDI) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Administration |
Hotel Operations, Event Management |
Quality Leadership University (QLU) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
International Tourism, Hospitality Leadership |
University Name |
Course Program |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Additional Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
4 years |
Spanish |
Spanish language proficiency required. |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
4 years |
Spanish |
Offers internships and practical training. |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
4 years |
Spanish |
Focus on technology integration in tourism. |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
4 years |
Spanish |
Includes a culinary arts specialization. |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
4 years |
Spanish |
Emphasis on cultural and eco-tourism. |
Universidad Latina de Ciencias y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
4 years |
Spanish |
Events planning specialization available. |
Universidad del Istmo (UDI) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Administration |
4 years |
Spanish |
Focus on hotel operations and event management. |
Quality Leadership University (QLU) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
4 years |
English |
English-language program with a focus on international tourism. |
University Name |
Course Program |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
4 years |
Spanish |
Hotel Management, Tourism Management |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
4 years |
Spanish |
Event Management, Sustainable Tourism |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
4 years |
Spanish |
Hospitality Management, Tourism Business |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
4 years |
Spanish |
Culinary Arts, Travel Management |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
4 years |
Spanish |
Cultural Tourism, Eco-Tourism |
Universidad Latina de Ciencias y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
4 years |
Spanish |
Events Planning, Tourism Development |
Universidad del Istmo (UDI) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Administration |
4 years |
Spanish |
Hotel Operations, Event Management |
Quality Leadership University (QLU) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
4 years |
English |
International Tourism, Hospitality Leadership |
University Name |
Course Program |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Master in Tourism and Hotel Management |
2 years |
Spanish |
Hotel Management, Strategic Tourism Management |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Master in Tourism Business Administration |
2 years |
Spanish |
Event Management, Sustainable Tourism Development |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Master in Tourism and Hotel Management |
2 years |
Spanish |
Hospitality Operations, Tourism Business Development |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Master in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
2 years |
Spanish |
International Hospitality Management, Culinary Innovation |
Quality Leadership University (QLU) |
MBA with a Concentration in Hospitality and Tourism |
18 months |
English |
Global Tourism, Hospitality Leadership |
University Name |
Course Program |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Research Areas |
---|---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
Sustainable Tourism, Hospitality Management, Tourism Development |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
PhD in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
Event Management, Strategic Tourism, Cultural Tourism |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
PhD in Tourism and Hotel Management |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
Tourism Business Development, Hospitality Operations, Eco-Tourism |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
3-5 years |
Spanish |
International Tourism, Culinary Arts Innovation, Hospitality Leadership |
University Name |
Course Program |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management |
1 year |
Spanish |
Tourism Management, Hotel Operations |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Diploma in Event Management and Tourism |
1 year |
Spanish |
Event Planning, Sustainable Tourism |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Operations |
1 year |
Spanish |
Hospitality Management, Tourism Business |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Diploma in Hospitality and Culinary Arts |
1 year |
Spanish |
Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
Diploma in Cultural and Eco-Tourism |
1 year |
Spanish |
Cultural Tourism, Eco-Tourism Management |
University Name |
Course Program |
Duration |
Language of Instruction |
Focus Area |
---|---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Short Course in Tourism Management |
3 months |
Spanish |
Tourism Industry Basics, Customer Service |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Short Course in Event Planning |
3 months |
Spanish |
Event Organization, Project Management |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Short Course in Hospitality Operations |
3 months |
Spanish |
Hotel Operations, Front Office Management |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Short Course in Culinary Arts |
2 months |
Spanish |
Basic Culinary Techniques, Food Safety |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
Short Course in Eco-Tourism |
3 months |
Spanish |
Eco-Tourism Practices, Sustainable Tourism |
University Name |
Course Program |
Level |
Specializations |
---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Hotel Management, Tourism Management |
|
Master in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Master’s Degree |
Strategic Tourism Management, Hotel Management |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
PhD |
Sustainable Tourism, Hospitality Management |
|
Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Diploma |
Tourism Management, Hotel Operations |
|
Short Course in Tourism Management |
Short-term Course |
Tourism Industry Basics, Customer Service |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Event Management, Sustainable Tourism |
|
Master in Tourism Business Administration |
Master’s Degree |
Event Management, Sustainable Tourism Development |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
PhD |
Event Management, Strategic Tourism, Cultural Tourism |
|
Diploma in Event Management and Tourism |
Diploma |
Event Planning, Sustainable Tourism |
|
Short Course in Event Planning |
Short-term Course |
Event Organization, Project Management |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Hospitality Management, Tourism Business |
|
Master in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Master’s Degree |
Hospitality Operations, Tourism Business Development |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hotel Management |
PhD |
Tourism Business Development, Hospitality Operations |
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Operations |
Diploma |
Hospitality Management, Tourism Business |
|
Short Course in Hospitality Operations |
Short-term Course |
Hotel Operations, Front Office Management |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Culinary Arts, Travel Management |
|
Master in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
Master’s Degree |
International Hospitality Management, Culinary Innovation |
|
PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
PhD |
International Tourism, Culinary Arts Innovation |
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Culinary Arts |
Diploma |
Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management |
|
Short Course in Culinary Arts |
Short-term Course |
Basic Culinary Techniques, Food Safety |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Cultural Tourism, Eco-Tourism |
|
Diploma in Cultural and Eco-Tourism |
Diploma |
Cultural Tourism, Eco-Tourism Management |
|
Short Course in Eco-Tourism |
Short-term Course |
Eco-Tourism Practices, Sustainable Tourism |
Quality Leadership University (QLU) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
International Tourism, Hospitality Leadership |
|
MBA with a Concentration in Hospitality and Tourism |
Master’s Degree |
Global Tourism, Hospitality Leadership |
University Name |
Course Program |
Level |
Intake Periods |
---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
January, May, September |
|
Master in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Master’s Degree |
January, May, September |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
PhD |
Rolling admissions, typically January and September |
|
Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Diploma |
January, May |
|
Short Course in Tourism Management |
Short-term Course |
January, May, September |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
Bachelor’s Degree |
February, July |
|
Master in Tourism Business Administration |
Master’s Degree |
February, July |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
PhD |
Rolling admissions, typically February and July |
|
Diploma in Event Management and Tourism |
Diploma |
February, July |
|
Short Course in Event Planning |
Short-term Course |
February, July |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
January, August |
|
Master in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Master’s Degree |
January, August |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hotel Management |
PhD |
Rolling admissions, typically January and August |
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Operations |
Diploma |
January, August |
|
Short Course in Hospitality Operations |
Short-term Course |
January, August |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
Bachelor’s Degree |
March, September |
|
Master in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
Master’s Degree |
March, September |
|
PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
PhD |
Rolling admissions, typically March and September |
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Culinary Arts |
Diploma |
March, September |
|
Short Course in Culinary Arts |
Short-term Course |
March, September |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
February, August |
|
Diploma in Cultural and Eco-Tourism |
Diploma |
February, August |
|
Short Course in Eco-Tourism |
Short-term Course |
February, August |
Quality Leadership University (QLU) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
January, August |
|
MBA with a Concentration in Hospitality and Tourism |
Master’s Degree |
January, August |
University Name |
Course Program |
Level |
Approximate Tuition Fees (per year) |
---|---|---|---|
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
Master in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Master’s Degree |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
PhD |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Diploma |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
Short Course in Tourism Management |
Short-term Course |
$500 - $1,000 (total) |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$4,000 - $5,500 |
|
Master in Tourism Business Administration |
Master’s Degree |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hotel Business Administration |
PhD |
$5,500 - $7,500 |
|
Diploma in Event Management and Tourism |
Diploma |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Short Course in Event Planning |
Short-term Course |
$600 - $1,200 (total) |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
Master in Tourism and Hotel Management |
Master’s Degree |
$3,500 - $5,500 |
|
PhD in Tourism and Hotel Management |
PhD |
$4,500 - $6,500 |
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Operations |
Diploma |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
Short Course in Hospitality Operations |
Short-term Course |
$500 - $1,000 (total) |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
Master in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
Master’s Degree |
$4,000 - $6,000 |
|
PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Administration |
PhD |
$5,000 - $7,000 |
|
Diploma in Hospitality and Culinary Arts |
Diploma |
$2,000 - $3,500 |
|
Short Course in Culinary Arts |
Short-term Course |
$600 - $1,200 (total) |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
Bachelor in Tourism and Hospitality Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Diploma in Cultural and Eco-Tourism |
Diploma |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
|
Short Course in Eco-Tourism |
Short-term Course |
$400 - $800 (total) |
Quality Leadership University (QLU) |
Bachelor in Hospitality and Tourism Management |
Bachelor’s Degree |
$6,000 - $8,000 |
|
MBA with a Concentration in Hospitality and Tourism |
Master’s Degree |
$7,000 - $9,000 |
Level |
Eligibility Criteria |
---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree |
High school diploma or equivalent (typically a secondary school completion certificate). |
|
Proficiency in Spanish (most programs are taught in Spanish; a language proficiency test may be required for non-native speakers). |
|
Minimum GPA requirement (varies by university, generally around 2.5-3.0 on a 4.0 scale). |
|
Entrance exam or interview may be required by some universities. |
Master’s Degree |
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Hospitality Management, Tourism, Business Administration) from an accredited institution. |
|
Proficiency in Spanish (for programs taught in Spanish); English proficiency for programs taught in English (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). |
|
Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 2.7-3.0 on a 4.0 scale). |
|
Professional experience in the field (preferred but not always required). |
|
Letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose may be required. |
PhD |
Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Hospitality Management, Tourism, Business) from an accredited institution. |
|
Proficiency in Spanish (for programs taught in Spanish); English proficiency for programs taught in English (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS). |
|
Research proposal in the area of interest. |
|
Academic references (letters of recommendation). |
|
Relevant professional or academic experience is often preferred. |
Diploma Programs |
High school diploma or equivalent (typically a secondary school completion certificate). |
|
Proficiency in Spanish (for programs taught in Spanish). |
|
Some programs may require work experience in a related field. |
Short-Term Courses |
Open to individuals with a high school diploma or relevant work experience. |
|
Proficiency in Spanish (for programs taught in Spanish). |
|
Some courses may have specific prerequisites depending on the subject matter. |
Scholarship Name |
University Name |
Applicable Programs |
Eligibility Criteria |
Scholarship Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Beca de Excelencia Académica |
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
High academic performance, minimum GPA required |
Partial tuition coverage, up to 50% |
Beca de Mérito Académico |
Universidad Latina de Panamá |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
Outstanding academic achievement, letters of recommendation |
Partial to full tuition coverage, depending on merit |
Beca de Desarrollo Profesional |
Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) |
Bachelor, Master |
Professional experience in related field, academic excellence |
Partial tuition coverage, internship opportunities |
Beca de Inclusión Social |
Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua (USMA) |
Bachelor, Master |
Socio-economic need, academic potential |
Partial tuition coverage, living expenses |
Beca de Talento Global |
Quality Leadership University (QLU) |
Bachelor, MBA |
High academic achievement, international students, English proficiency |
Partial tuition coverage, up to 50% |
Beca de Investigación |
Universidad Especializada de Las Américas (UDELAS) |
PhD |
Research proposal in Hospitality, Tourism, or Events, academic merit |
Full tuition coverage, research funding |
Beca de Responsabilidad Social |
Universidad Latina de Ciencias y Tecnología (ULACIT) |
Bachelor, Master |
Community service involvement, academic merit |
Partial tuition coverage, community service projects |
Beca de Movilidad Internacional |
Various Universities (through government programs) |
Bachelor, Master, PhD |
International students, academic achievement |
Partial to full tuition coverage, travel expenses |
Job Title |
Industry |
Average Salary (per year) |
Key Responsibilities |
---|---|---|---|
Hotel Manager |
Hospitality |
$25,000 - $50,000 |
Oversee hotel operations, manage staff, ensure guest satisfaction, budget management, and marketing efforts. |
Event Planner/Coordinator |
Events |
$20,000 - $40,000 |
Plan, organize, and execute events such as conferences, weddings, and corporate events, manage budgets, and vendor coordination. |
Tourism Development Manager |
Tourism |
$30,000 - $55,000 |
Develop and promote tourism strategies, manage tourism projects, collaborate with local businesses and government agencies. |
Restaurant Manager |
Hospitality/Food Service |
$20,000 - $45,000 |
Manage daily restaurant operations, staff supervision, ensure food quality and customer service, handle finances. |
Travel Consultant/Advisor |
Travel Agencies/Tourism |
$18,000 - $35,000 |
Provide travel advice, plan travel itineraries, book accommodations and transportation, and assist clients with travel arrangements. |
Eco-Tourism Specialist |
Tourism |
$22,000 - $40,000 |
Develop and manage eco-tourism projects, promote sustainable tourism practices, educate tourists on environmental impact. |
Culinary Arts Director |
Hospitality/Food Service |
$25,000 - $50,000 |
Oversee culinary operations in hotels or restaurants, manage kitchen staff, menu development, ensure food safety standards. |
Resort Manager |
Hospitality |
$30,000 - $60,000 |
Manage all aspects of resort operations, including guest services, facility maintenance, staff management, and marketing. |
Tour Guide/Operator |
Tourism |
$15,000 - $30,000 |
Conduct guided tours, provide information on cultural and historical sites, ensure tourist safety and satisfaction. |
Marketing Manager (Tourism & Hospitality) |
Hospitality/Tourism |
$30,000 - $55,000 |
Develop and execute marketing strategies for hotels, resorts, or tourism boards, manage social media, advertising, and public relations. |
Conference and Convention Manager |
Events |
$25,000 - $50,000 |
Plan and manage large-scale conferences and conventions, coordinate with vendors, manage budgets, and ensure event success. |
Tourism Policy Analyst |
Government/Nonprofit |
$30,000 - $55,000 |
Analyze tourism data, develop policies to promote sustainable tourism, collaborate with government agencies and stakeholders. |