Panama business leaders want rescue plan for tourism

Tourism, one of the most important of the country's economic sectors is in crisis, says the nation's Chamber of Commerce.

Thousands of jobs have been lost in the sector, says the chamber, which has 1,600 affiliate members. The most urgent need, it says, is money for a fund to promote Panama overseas.

President Juan Carlos Varela has signed the regulations for a $20 million per year promotion fund, but it has yet to move on, the chamber says.