About us
We offer a wide range of products in Panama in the form of accommodation, transfers and guided tours in English.
Our core product serves the medium to high quality package and individual travel market. Luxury programs for FITs and incentive trips round off our product portfolio.
![]() |
---|

Mission
At GAPA Travel we develop authentic, high-quality tourism products and services in Panama with a firm commitment to sustainability.We carry out our trips in a reliable, responsible and conscious way, minimizing the environmental impact, promoting local culture and generating benefits for the communities.
As a source of local contact, we guarantee our clients a relaxed, memorable and respectful experience with the environment and the people.
Vision
We want to position ourselves as leaders among travel agencies in Panama, being recognized for our reliability, quality and innovation, with a firm focus on sustainability.
Our goal is to set a benchmark for responsible tourism, have a positive impact on the environment and create travel experiences that respect and value the country's cultural and natural diversity.
Our values
​
Responsibility
Acting responsibly is the cornerstone
of our work.
​
Quality
We would like to be known for our service
and product quality.
​
Passion
Our love of the country is reflected
in our work.
​
Customer focus
Our focus is the travel experience
of our customers.
​
Innovation
We are always looking for new creative solutions and are constantly developing our range of products and services.
​
Teamwork
The harmonious cross-departmental cooperation is key our success.
​
Engagement
For the success of every customer and partner.
​
Competence
Given our many years of experience we are
your professional contact with in-depth specialist knowledge.
​
Reliability
Our customers can always count on us!
We are there for you from the first request to the day of departure!

Our history
Review of André Goatham, owner and founder of GAPA TRAVEL :
The story begins in 1993 when a Swiss friend of mine and I travelled to Panama via Florida.
We liked the country, the people and the beautiful weather so much so that a year later we came back for two weeks.
In 1996 I was back in Panama for two weeks and in 1999 I decided to emigrate and I wanted to start my own business.
After one year of looking at all the possibilities and options my wife and I decided to open this agency to increase awareness of this wonderful country internationally.
In 2002 GAPA TRAVEL was founded. Since then I do not regret a single decision. Panama has become touristically known and the infrastructure has been greatly improved.
The country has huge tourism potential and this will make working in this field very interesting in the future.
GAPA TRAVEL is well positioned and we have put together an amazing team.
They deserve a big thank you for their tireless efforts.
​
André Goatham

Waved Foundation

Sustainability
Sustainability
GAPA TRAVEL is socially committed in Panama – every GAPA traveler is part of it!
As part of our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, GAPA Travel partnered in 2018 with the Waved Foundation, a Panamanian organization that combines education, surfing, and environmental awareness to transform the lives of children in rural coastal communities. Through this alliance, we support educational, environmental, and social projects that create a positive and lasting impact in the communities where we operate, contributing to the well-being of people and the preservation of our environment.
Follow the foundation on Instagram and Facebook @gowaved
Website: www.gowaved.org
Sustainability Policy of Gapa Travel
SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE
Commitment to Sustainability
We use the Travelife platform to document, monitor, and evaluate our progress in sustainability. Our sustainability performance is published at least every two years.
Gapa Travel is committed to the continuous improvement of its sustainability practices, including regular review and updates of this policy. We comply with all local, national, and international laws – especially regarding labor rights, human rights, children's rights, the environment, and the use of animals and land. We enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, bribery, discrimination, and forced labor.
INTERNAL MANAGEMENT
Social Policy and Human Rights
-
Equal opportunity and fair pay regardless of gender, ethnicity, origin, marital status, age, or religion
-
Support for professional development
-
A safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment
-
Zero tolerance for human rights violations
-
Expectation that partners and suppliers uphold these standards
Environmental Management within the Company
-
Regular goal setting and review in the areas of energy, water, paper, and COâ‚‚
-
Hierarchical waste reduction: reduce, reuse, recycle
-
Promotion of environmental awareness among staff
-
Avoidance of environmentally harmful substances and emissions
Office COâ‚‚ Management
-
Reduction of business travel
-
Promotion of remote work and eco-friendly transportation
-
Use of energy-efficient technologies (where possible)
SUPPLY CHAIN
General Supplier Guidelines
-
Responsible sourcing of products and services
-
Preference for locally owned companies with clear sustainability policies
-
Adherence to a code of ethics focusing on:
-
Human rights and fair working conditions
-
Environmental and resource protection
-
Protection from sexual exploitation in tourism
-
Combating corruption and discrimination
-
-
In case of violations: immediate termination of business relationships
-
Active collaboration to improve the sustainability performance of our partners
PARTNERS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS
Travel Agencies
-
Cooperation only with agencies that meet our company code of conduct
-
Access to training and the Travelife platform
Transport Providers
-
Selection of the most environmentally friendly means of transport (e.g. land travel instead of air travel)
-
Appropriate vehicle size and efficient route planning
-
Compliance with our code of ethics
Accommodations
-
Selection based on sustainability criteria
-
Respect for local resources and cultural sensitivities
Activities and Excursions
-
No offerings that harm people, animals, or the environment
-
Preference for activities with local benefits and ecological value
Guides and Local Representatives
-
Fair pay and safe working conditions
-
Sustainability training including protection against the sexual exploitation of children
-
Promotion of sustainable and respectful guest behavior
DESTINATIONS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES
-
Avoidance of overtourism through promotion of alternative destinations
-
Support for local art, culture, and economy
-
Guest education on responsible consumption and behavior
-
Respect for all human and land rights
-
Collaboration with local stakeholders to foster sustainable tourism development
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN DESTINATIONS
-
Protection of natural resources
-
Guest education on sustainable travel
COMMUNICATION AND CUSTOMER PROTECTION
Data Protection
-
Compliance with all data protection laws
-
Transparent information on data usage
Marketing
-
Honest communication with no false promises or greenwashing
-
Cultural, religious, and ethnic sensitivity
Sustainability Communication
-
Guest education on:
-
Certified accommodations and activities
-
Responsible shopping
-
Sustainable food choices
-
Customer Experience
-
Strict health, safety, and quality standards
-
Complaint and feedback management
-
Awareness-building on social and environmental topics (e.g. COâ‚‚ offsetting, child protection)
RESPONSIBILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION
All employees are responsible for implementing this policy. It is coordinated by our Sustainability Officer, reachable at: sustainability.coordinator@gapatravel.com
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Ronald Castillo
Travelife Sustainability Manager