Panama Canal Expansion 2016
Inauguration Events & Visitor’s Guide
INTRODUCTION Panama Canal Expansion inauguration will take place on June 26, 2016, with the inauguration of the two new locks complexes Agua Clara on the Atlantic side and Cocoli on the Pacific side, as well as their access channels. The focal point of the official events will be the first commercial transit of a Neopanamax vessel through the new locks. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, June 25 9:00 a.m. Visit to the new Cocoli Locks on the Pacific side of the Canal 7:00 p.m. Panama Canal Expansion Official Presentation, followed by cocktail reception in the ATLAPA Convention Center in San Francisco, Panama City, Panama. Sunday, June 26 4:00 p.m. Panama Canal Expansion Inaugural Ceremony at Cocoli Locks on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT PANAMA The Republic of Panama is located in the center of the Western Hemisphere, under the following coordinates: 7º12’07" and 9º38’46" North, 77º09’24" and 83º03’07" West. Its borders are: to the North, the Caribbean Sea; to the East, the Republic of Colombia; to the South with the Pacific Ocean and to the West with the Republic of Costa Rica. Panama is the link between Central America and South America, constituting an 80 km wide isthmus wide in its narrower section. It has a land area of 75,517 km ² and an estimated population of 3,405,813 inhabitants. Currency The official currency of the Republic of Panama is the balboa. However, the US dollar is legal tender. For the convenience of our visitors, there is a branch of the National Bank at Tocumen International Airport with authorized counters to exchange foreign currency to US dollars. Official Language The official language in the Republic of Panama is Spanish. The official events will be held in Spanish. English interpretation will be provided. Religion Catholicism is the official religion. However, the Constitution of the Republic of Panama provides for religious freedom. Climate Panama's climate is tropical and its geographical position between two oceans allows it to have a greater biodiversity than other countries. As for the precipitation regime, this country has two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season goes from May to December with rain and warm sunshine during much of the day. During the dry season, from mid-­‐December to April, pleasant trade winds blow constantly. The meteorological conditions expected for the end of June 2016 are: Average maximum temperature: 31.5 °C (89° F) Average minimum temperature: 24.2 °C (76° F) Average temperature: 27.0 °C (81° F) Average relative humidity: 83% Moderate rainfall is expected with a duration of one or two hours, usually in the afternoon, between midday and four o'clock, moderate intensity. Useful information Local time: GMT-­‐5 Electricity: 120 V and in some hotels 240V Taxes: All purchases in Panama are charged with a 7% tax on the transfer of goods and services (ITBMS), with the exception of medicines and school supplies. Tipping: In some restaurants it is included in the bill. If tip is not included, it is customary to tip 10% of the total amount charged. Airport Tax: For international commercial flights, airport tax is included in the cost of airfare. Important telephone numbers: International calls with the assistance of an operator: 106 The local time: 105 Telephone directory assistance: 102 Emergencies: 911 PROGRAMME FOR THE EXPANDED CANAL INAUGURATION Saturday, June 25, 2016 9:00 a.m. Visit to the new Cocoli Locks This visit to the new Cocoli locks will allow you to witness first hand this wonder of the 21st century. The visit includes a guided tour through the dams, water-­‐saving basins, machinery rooms, control tower and middle chamber. Visitors are recommended to wear light-­‐colored clothes (short-­‐sleeved shirts and long pants), closed footwear (preferably boots or sports shoes, without heels), sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. You will not be able to participate if you wear sandals, open-­‐toed shoes, high heels or shorts. Saturday, June 25, 2016 7:00 p.m. Panama Canal Expansion Official Presentation Panama Canal Expansion Official Presentation will take place in the ATLAPA Convention Center in San Francisco, Panama City, Panama. His Excellency Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez, President of the Republic of Panama, the diplomatic corps and special guests will be in attendance. During this event, Panama Canal Administrator Jorge Luis Quijano will official present the Panama Canal Expansion and new services to be offered to customers. Attendees will be able to see an exhibit of artwork, objects, and archaeological and paleontological findings of the excavations of the Panama Canal Expansion Program. A cocktail reception will follow. Dress code: Business formal attire for men and cocktail attire for ladies. Sunday, June 26, 2016 4:00 p.m. Panama Canal Expansion Inaugural Ceremony The events will start early in the morning on the Atlantic side with the first ceremony at the new Agua Clara Locks. Colon Province local authorities, Panama Canal employees and the general public will be in attendance. In the afternoon, the first commercial Neopanamax vessel will transit through Cocoli Locks on the Pacific side, where the official inaugural ceremony will be held, hosted by His Excellency Juan Carlos Varela Rodriguez, President of the Republic of Panama, accompanied by dignitaries, government officials, customers, special guests and the general public. Dress code: White long-­‐sleeve guayabera-­‐style shirts and black trousers for men and casual dresses for ladies. LODGING 1. 2. 3. 4. The following hotels are recommended: Sheraton Panama Hotel & Convention Center [email protected] www.sheratonpanama.com.pa T -­‐507 305 5100 F-­‐ 507 305 5101 Point of contact: ANABEL AGUILAR at [email protected] Aloft Panama Hotel [email protected] www.sheratonpanama.com.pa T -­‐507 305 5100 F-­‐ 507 305 5101 Point of contact: ANABEL AGUILAR at [email protected] Ramada Plaza Panama www.ramadaplazapanama.com T – 507 322-­‐0000 Point of contact: MICHELLE MATOS at [email protected] or [email protected] Hilton Panama www.hiltonpanama.com T -­‐ 507 294 8000 Point of contact: MARUKEL JUSTAVINO at [email protected] 5. Intercontinental Miramar Panama www.ihg.com T – 507 206 8888 Point of contact: YESSENIA AÑINO at [email protected] TRANSPORTATION The Panama Canal will provide transportation to the events on June 25 and 26 from the recommended hotels in the following schedule: • June 25, tour to Cocoli Locks from 8:00 a.m. Schedule to be confirmed. • June 25, Panama Canal Expansion Official Presentation from 6:30 p.m. Schedule to be confirmed. • June 26, Panama Canal Expansion Inaugural Ceremony from 2:00 p.m. Schedule to be confirmed. IMPORTANT: For safety reasons, all guests at the Inaugural Ceremony must use the authorized transportation. The Panama Canal will provide transportation to the events on June 25 and 26 from the recommended hotels. Please be advised that your formal invitation, which will be included in your welcome package, shall be presented in order to board the transportation. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For more information about the event, please send inquiries to the following email: • [email protected] • [email protected] • [email protected]