June 10, 2025
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro, Panama Invited to Join Historic Partnership for Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, Paving the Way for Global Eco-Tourism Revolution
Bocas del Toro, Panama is invited to take a monumental step toward redefining global eco-tourism by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to join the transformative Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels project, led by visionary entrepreneur Tony Webb. This historic agreement, positions Panama alongside Costa Rica and Dubai in a groundbreaking partnership to drive prosperity, sustainability, and cultural exchange through a state-of-the-art multilingual mobile app and unparalleled underwater tourism experiences.
The MOU commits Costa Rica to a $1,000,000 investment in exchange for 20% of net profits, matching Panama’s anticipated contribution to form a 50/50 partnership that will amplify the tourism appeal of both nations. This collaboration will showcase Costa Rica’s and Panama’s iconic 4×4 travel routes and establish Bocas del Toro, Panama, and a planned site in Costa Rica as premier eco-tourism hubs, with potential as a future spaceport by 2045.
Real-Time Engagement
Live updates, virtual tours, and interactive content highlighting the hotels, local attractions, and Costa Rica’s and Panama’s rugged 4×4 adventure routes.
Global Raffle Program
A legal, ongoing raffle allowing users to win stays at the underwater hotels, inspired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. This program, designed to comply with international regulations, will drive tourism and engagement while supporting sustainable agriculture through purchases of Fairtrade-certified bananas from the proposed Bocas Banana Cooperative.
Cultural and Environmental
Showcase: Spotlighting Costa Rica’s indigenous communities, Panama’s Ngäbe people, and sustainable Biorock coral restoration, positioning both nations as must-visit destinations.
Unmatched Eco-Tourism Experiences
The app will market the hotels’ unique offerings, including the world’s most spectacular nighttime plankton bioluminescence experiences in Bocas del Toro and Costa Rica. Unlike boat-based viewing, the underwater hotels provide an immersive encounter with this natural wonder, set against vibrant marine ecosystems. By leveraging Costa Rica’s and Panama’s iconic 4×4 routes, the project will attract millions of adventure-seeking travelers, boosting local economies and global visibility.
Economic and Social Impact
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a transformative collaboration between Panama and Costa Rica, setting the stage for major economic and social advancements in the region. With a shared vision of sustainable development and global connectivity, the agreement introduces innovative tourism projects, job creation strategies, and infrastructure investments that aim to uplift local communities while attracting international interest and partnerships.
Tourism Revenue
The 50 underwater hotels in Panama and a planned site in Costa Rica are projected to generate $5 billion for each nation’s economy, attracting 144,000+ passengers annually by 2029.
Job Creation
In Panama, the Bocas Banana Cooperative will create 6,100–7,500 jobs, supporting $157–$230 million in sustainable exports by 2028, with 10% of revenue reinvested into Ngäbe education and health. Costa Rica will see comparable job growth through tourism and infrastructure development.
Infrastructure Development
Costa Rica’s commitment includes $25–$35 million for land acquisition and permits to develop a parallel underwater hotel site, complementing Panama’s Hamdan Harmony Runway and new airport in Changuinola, designed for long-haul flights (e.g., Emirates A380s and Copa Airlines 737s).
Global Partnerships
The project unites the Bocas del Toro Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), BlackRock, Inc., Emirates Airlines, Copa Airlines, and sister cities Houma and Morgan City, Louisiana, fostering cultural and trade exchanges.
A Vision for Sustainability and Community
Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with Fairtrade/organic certifications for cooperative exports, Biorock coral restoration to protect marine life, and significant reinvestments into Costa Rican and Panamanian communities. In Panama, $17–$25 million will support Ngäbe education and health by 2028, while Costa Rica will empower local indigenous groups and eco-tourism initiatives.
Tony Webb’s Legacy
Tony Webb’s 25-year, self-funded journey has overcome significant challenges to bring this vision to life. His leadership has secured a global raffle license and forged partnerships that will deliver a historic gift of prosperity to Costa Rica, Panama, and beyond. This project will allow Webb to repay supporters and cement his legacy as a pioneer of eco-tourism.
Next Steps: Panama’s Opportunity
Tony Webb will travel to Panama from June 14–21, 2025, to meet with stakeholders, including representatives from the Panamanian Ministry of Tourism and the Bocas del Toro Chamber of Commerce. Costa Rica’s agreement significantly enhances the likelihood of Panama’s participation, solidifying the 50/50 partnership and unlocking a once-in-a-century opportunity for both nations.
A Call to the World
Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels project marks a turning point for global eco-tourism. By downloading the app, participating in the raffle, and exploring the underwater wonders and 4×4 routes of Costa Rica and Panama, millions will contribute to a legacy of peace, prosperity, and sustainability. Together, we can make these nations the ultimate destinations for travelers worldwide.
Media Contact:
Tony Webb, CEO
Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, LLC
Email: info@planetoceanunderwaterhotel.com
For more information on Costa Rica’s tourism vision, visit www.visitcostarica.com. For Panama’s eco-tourism context, see www.visitpanama.com.
