AGP Executive Report

Panama-Greece Maritime Ties: President José Raúl Mulino joined Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis at Posidonia 2026, opening Panama’s pavilion and touring shipping/logistics booths—highlighting how Greek shipowners use Panama’s registry and how maritime, logistics and tourism investment are being pushed. World Cup Travel Reality (and Panama links): England kicked off US preparations in 32C Florida heat, while Toronto’s “transit-first” plan targets match-day crowds heading to the FIFA Fan Festival and stadium—important for fans traveling in from across North America, including Panama supporters. Ghana Fan Tickets: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams says the government pre-purchased 1,000 Black Stars tickets to avoid last-minute price spikes. Ghana Squad Notes: Carlos Queiroz named his 26-man squad for Group L (vs England, Croatia, and Panama), with Thomas Partey included despite rape/sexual assault charges he denies; Joseph Anang also made history as St. Patrick’s Athletic’s first World Cup player. Airline Disruption for Travelers: Iberia suspended direct flights to Havana amid Cuba’s ongoing crisis, with demand and travel conditions still taking a hit. Regional Aviation Update: Uruguay’s Carrasco airport announced June expansion to 15 destinations with 158 weekly flights, including Panama.

Ghana World Cup Squad: Carlos Queiroz named a 26-man Black Stars roster with 15 debutants, including Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey—despite Partey facing rape and sexual assault charges in the UK (he denies them). Jordan Ayew captains, and Ghana opens Group L against England, then Croatia, then Panama. Ghana Goalkeeping Boost: Solomon Agbasi was added as an emergency option after training with the team in Wales, while Paul Reverson was left out. Ghana Fan Tickets: Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams says Ghana secured 1,000 tickets in advance for supporters to avoid last-minute price spikes. England Pre-World Cup Travel: Thomas Tuchel’s squad landed in Florida for heat acclimatisation, with some key players arriving later after Champions League recovery. Panama-Linked Shipping Incident: Iran’s IRGC claimed it hit the Panama-flagged MSC Sariska V with a cruise missile in retaliation for an earlier attack near Oman. Cuba Flight Cuts: Iberia suspended direct Madrid–Havana flights amid Cuba’s tourism and fuel crisis. Peru–Guatemala Trade: Peru moved to bring its free trade agreement with Guatemala into force via a supreme decree.

World Cup travel jitters in the U.S.: Reports say hotel bookings are far below expectations and some fans blame price gouging and politics, with one England fan estimate citing a $150 return train fare to see England vs Panama. Cost of going all-in: A new price check puts the total for fans to attend every match (for finalists) at eye-watering levels, with Panama fans estimated at $57,121 for two—driven largely by flights. England’s camp kicks off: Thomas Tuchel’s squad landed in Miami for heat acclimation, then warm-ups vs New Zealand and Costa Rica before moving to Kansas City. Ghana’s World Cup planning: Carlos Queiroz backs Thomas Partey’s selection; meanwhile President Mahama says Ghana won’t fund mass fan travel (nearly $11,000 per supporter), opting instead to buy and distribute tickets via diaspora groups. Panama football in the spotlight: Brazil’s 6-2 friendly win over Panama in Rio sets the tone ahead of Group L matchups. Panama tourism angle: InterNations’ 2025 expat reception rankings list Panama among the top destinations for easier settling abroad. Azuero medical mission: U.S. service members ran a three-day healthcare outreach in remote Azuero communities, boosting access to general medicine and dental care.

World Cup Travel Policy: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama ruled out government-funded mass fan travel to the 2026 World Cup, citing about $11,000 per supporter as unaffordable, and said tickets will instead be bought and distributed through diaspora community groups in host cities. Panama Football Spotlight: Panama’s World Cup preparations took a hit in a pre-tournament friendly, losing 6-2 to Brazil at the Maracanã, with Vinícius Jr. and Casemiro starring as Panama briefly equalized via a deflected free kick. Group L Context: Ghana’s Black Stars are in Cardiff ahead of a June 2 friendly vs Wales, with Thomas Partey and Iñaki Williams joining camp; Ghana opens Group L against Panama in Toronto on June 17, then plays England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia. Tournament Logistics: A guide to the 2026 World Cup’s U.S. host cities and fan festivals highlights how fans can plan around matches and public viewing events across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Panama-India Business Angle: Panama is pushing to deepen trade ties with India, pointing to its large Indian-Panamanian community and pitching logistics and maritime connectivity as key growth areas.

World Cup Travel Watch: Brazil hosts Panama at the Maracanã today as both teams fine-tune for the 2026 tournament; Neymar is expected to miss the friendly with injury, while Ancelotti says he could be available later in the group stage. Panama Wildlife & Visitor Etiquette: Residents spotted a sea lion resting near Taboga Island; MiAmbiente urges people to keep distance, never feed, and avoid trying to touch or capture it. Ghana Camp Update (Group L): Thomas Partey and Iñaki Williams have joined Ghana’s Cardiff preparations ahead of the Wales friendly, with a few players still not reporting; Ghana opens World Cup play vs Panama in Toronto on June 17. Panama-Linked Air Access: Puerto Plata is adding 40 June flights from major hubs including Panama via seven airlines, boosting Caribbean connectivity for travelers. Local Travel Safety: A Texas woman says her Panama vacation turned into an ordeal after arrest over a suitcase gun, highlighting the risks of travel with prohibited items. Regional Aviation: A new interline deal links LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes from June 1, signaling shifting connectivity across the Eastern Caribbean.

Ghana World Cup camp: Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams arrived in Cardiff to join the Black Stars’ preparations for the June 2 friendly vs Wales, bringing the squad to 24 players at Dragon Park; four others (Djiku, Kojo Oppong Peprah, Augustine Boakye, Antoine Semenyo) were still absent as coach Carlos Queiroz fine-tunes ahead of the 2026 tournament. Group L focus (Panama connection): Ghana’s World Cup draw puts Panama in Group L alongside England and Croatia, with Ghana opening against Panama in Toronto on June 17. Panama tourism numbers: Panama’s tourism generated $6.583 billion in foreign-exchange earnings in 2025, with 3.0 million international visitors reported for the year—an 8.2% rise. Old Town water woes: Residents and businesses in Panama’s historic Old Town (San Felipe) report months of low water pressure and irregular supply, with complaints to IDAAN not bringing fixes. Wildlife on Taboga: A sea lion was spotted resting near Taboga Island; authorities urge visitors to keep distance and not feed or touch the animal. Puerto Plata air lift: By June 2026, Puerto Plata will have 40 flights from 7 airlines, including connections to Panama via Copa.

World Cup Travel Watch: Brazil is set to host Panama at the Maracanã on Sunday as Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is likely to be available for the group stage, though he could miss the opener if recovery runs long. Matchday Tourism: Zagreb is extending bar and restaurant hours for Croatia’s World Cup games, including a late-night window for the Panama v Croatia match in Toronto. Ghana Camp Update: Ghana’s provisional squad is expected to stay mostly the same, with Queiroz naming the final 26-man team on June 1 after a Wales friendly. Air Connectivity for Caribbean Travel: Puerto Plata will add 40 flights in June via seven airlines, including new links to Panama through Copa. Panama Tourism Numbers: Panama’s tourism foreign-exchange earnings hit $6.583B in 2025, with 3.0M international visitors and steady growth into early 2026. Local Travel Disruption: Old Town residents and businesses report months of low water pressure and shortages affecting hotels, restaurants, and schools. Travel Safety Alert: A Texas woman says her Panama vacation turned into a prison ordeal after an arrest tied to a suitcase gun.

World Cup travel watch: Ghana says its provisional 28-man squad is unlikely to change unless injuries hit, with Carlos Queiroz expected to name the final 26 on June 1 as the Black Stars camp in Cardiff ahead of a June 2 friendly vs Wales; Ghana’s Group L opponents include Panama, England and Croatia, with Ghana opening against Panama on June 17. Local tourism pressure: Panama Old Town residents and businesses report months of water shortages and low pressure in San Felipe, affecting hotels, restaurants and schools in a high-tourism area. Panama tourism numbers: Panama’s tourism foreign-exchange earnings hit $6.583 billion in 2025, and international arrivals rose to 3.0 million, according to ATP/INEC figures cited by Apede. Air connectivity: Barbados is pushing demand for Air Peace’s new Lagos–Barbados direct route, a reminder of how new links can shift Caribbean visitor flows. Regional outlook: WTTC forecasts Central and South America’s travel and tourism growth to outpace the global average in 2026, driven by stronger spending and demand.

Tourism Finance Boost: Panama’s tourism sector hit $6.583 billion in foreign-exchange earnings in 2025, up from $4.6155 billion in 2018, and still growing (15.5% in 2023, 10% in 2024, 9.7% in 2025), with 3.004 million international visitors in 2025 (+8.2%) and 2.331 million staying at least one night. Water Woes in Old Town: Residents and businesses in San Felipe’s Old Town say they’ve faced months of low water pressure and irregular potable-water supply, with complaints to IDAAN and the 311 hotline reportedly not bringing fixes—an issue that hits hotels, restaurants, and schools. World Cup Travel Buzz (Panama-linked): Brazil’s Neymar is expected to miss warm-ups vs Panama after a grade-two calf injury, while Ghana’s Black Stars camp in Cardiff adds six players as the Wales friendly approaches. Cruise & Canal Appeal: Viking unveiled 2028–29 world cruise options that include transiting the Panama Canal, alongside long-haul itineraries across the Americas, Pacific, Africa, and Europe.

World Cup Fitness Watch: Brazil’s Neymar is facing a serious setback after MRI scans confirmed a grade-two calf tear, putting his World Cup opener vs Morocco (June 13) in doubt and likely ruling him out of friendlies vs Panama (Sunday) and Egypt (June 6). Tourism Outlook for the Americas: The WTTC says Central and South America’s travel and tourism sector should outpace the global average in 2026, with Travel & Tourism GDP growth of 4.1% and international visitor spending up 7.8%. Cruise & Canal Interest: Viking unveiled new 2028–29 world cruise itineraries that include transiting the Panama Canal, plus stops across North America, the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Maritime Safety Concern: Russia-linked drone attacks hit Turkish-owned cargo shipping in the Black Sea, with officials citing vessels flagged to Panama among those affected. Panama Travel Angle: A separate report notes Panama is considering scrapping a 5.5% tax on casino and betting winnings to attract tourists.

Panama Canal & shipping: The US announced fresh sanctions tied to Iran’s military oil sales, naming a Panama-flagged tanker (Ill Gap) among sanctioned vessels, as Iran also reported intercepting a US drone near Bushehr and launching missiles toward “specified targets.” World Cup travel & tickets: FIFA is facing legal action from at least three US states over claims of “fake scarcity” and misleading ticketing for the 2026 World Cup, with prosecutors and attorneys general pushing for documents as some venues reportedly sold fewer than half their seats. Panama football spotlight: Brazil’s squad is in Teresópolis for final prep, with a friendly vs Panama at Maracanã on May 31, while Panama’s own World Cup squad and matchups keep drawing attention ahead of the June 17 opener vs Ghana. Local Panama travel angle: A reminder that the Canal is still a key route for global itineraries—Viking’s 2028/29 world cruise includes a Panama Canal transit—plus a separate note that Panama’s casino and betting tax changes are aimed at pulling in more foreign visitors.

Energy & Trade: Canada and Germany’s SEFE signed a first LNG supply deal for a proposed Ksi Lisims project in British Columbia, aiming for 1 million tons a year—another sign Europe is hunting new gas sources after disruptions tied to the war in Iran. Travel & Cruises: Viking opened bookings for its 2028/29 world cruise, a 142-day itinerary on Viking Vesta that includes a transit through the Panama Canal and stops across 31 countries. Panama Canal Context: A separate analysis notes that when Strait of Hormuz shipping is disrupted, the Panama Canal can see more traffic—relevant as tensions around Hormuz and global energy routes keep flaring. World Cup Tourism: FIFA released the 2026 World Cup schedule across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with Panama set to play in its second tournament—plus Panama’s own 26-man squad announcement for the competition. Local Travel Impact: Azuero’s water crisis continues to affect daily life for more than 100,000 people, with families relying on cisterns and tanker trucks.

World Cup travel surge: FIFA released the full 2026 schedule (104 matches across 11 U.S. host cities, plus Canada and Mexico), with the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19—good news for planners, but expect intense demand around marquee dates. Panama squad spotlight: Panama named its 26-man World Cup roster under Thomas Christiansen, with the team set to debut June 17 vs Ghana in Toronto (Group L also includes England and Croatia), and warm-up plans plus a base-camp setup in Ontario. Ticket pressure in the U.S.: England fans are scrambling after major ticket and hotel price drops, with reports of unsold seats and bargain late bookings—useful for travelers watching costs. Azuero water crisis: In Panama’s Azuero region, water shortages are still forcing more than 100,000 people to rely on emergency wells, cisterns, and tanker deliveries. Diplomacy for smoother travel: Panama and Costa Rica agreed to a diplomatic truce at the UN and to prioritize trade, customs, security, migration, and cooperation—aimed at easing recent friction that can affect cross-border movement.

Panama–China Canal Tensions at the UN: Panama’s foreign minister pushed for dialogue and bridge-building in a UN Security Council setting as canal frictions with China simmer, echoing China’s warning that the UN Charter’s purposes are being disregarded. World Cup Focus (Panama): Panama has unveiled its 26-man squad for its second World Cup, with the roster wrapped in a pride-filled video featuring the Canal and everyday street life; Los Canaleros open Group L on June 17 vs Ghana in Toronto. World Cup Prep (Ghana): Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz is in Cardiff camp ahead of a June 2 friendly vs Wales, with former stars urging a compact, mentally sharp approach as injuries shape the final picture. Tourism & Travel Watch: A new report projects the tourism source market reaching $1.1T by 2032, while FIFA’s ticket demand wobble is already triggering price drops and last-minute fan rushes.

Panama World Cup squad locked in: Thomas Christiansen has named an experienced 26-man roster for Panama’s second World Cup, led by captain Aníbal Godoy and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, with warm-ups vs Brazil (Maracanã), the Dominican Republic, and Bosnia & Herzegovina before the team heads to its Ontario base. Group L opener: Panama start against Ghana on June 17 in Toronto, with England and Croatia also in the group. Ghana build-up heats up: Carlos Queiroz’s Black Stars are in Cardiff for a Wales friendly on June 2, with camp decisions still shaping the final picture. World Cup travel reality check: FIFA ticket and room prices have dropped sharply after demand cooled, and England fans are already rushing to grab the new bargains—good news for anyone planning a Panama trip too. Tournament logistics: FIFA has confirmed base camps across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including Panama and Ghana in Canada.

World Cup Logistics Lock-In: FIFA has now confirmed the full network of 2026 Team Base Camps, with 39 teams in the U.S., seven in Mexico, and two in Canada—Ghana’s camp is set for Bryant University in Boston. Ghana Camp Update: The Black Stars opened training in Cardiff ahead of their June 2 friendly vs Wales, with 13 players on Monday’s session and a final 26-man squad due June 1; Ghana’s Group L schedule has them starting vs Panama in Toronto (June 17). Group L Rivals Get Set: Croatia began preparations in Rijeka, with friendlies vs Belgium (June 2) and Slovenia (June 7) before facing England, Panama, and Ghana in Group L. Fan Experience Change: Tournament chiefs confirmed alcohol will be allowed in stadium seating areas across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—after the Qatar 2022 ban and Euro 2024 restrictions. Panama Tourism Move: Panama scraps the 5.5% tax on casino and betting winnings to lure foreign gamblers and boost tourism.