When did you open Aqui Hoy and what inspired you to do so?
I’d left the rat race of banking behind about ten years ago and I was looking for my next adventure. My son visited Panama and he thought I’d enjoy the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro and the Carribbean lifestyle here. He was right! There was an early opportunity that was snatched from under my nose, but five or so years ago, we found the opportune moment to take things on here at Aqui Hoy. We have great people running the business with us and I spend my time between here and Luxembourg.
What do you love most about Aqui Hoy?
I’ve been able to meet so many different people, which has allowed for a cross fertilisation of business ideas, but also led to further engagement with the people who have visited us. It’s not a huge resort, with four cabañas and our staff quarters. It feels like, and is, a family business, which I really like. We offer a bit of everything - hotel, restaurant/bar, water transportation, jetskis and tours.
What has been the most rewarding part of opening Aqui Hoy?
I get to be outside every day, close to nature and enjoy excellent seafood. It’s great to interact with international clients from the Americas and Europe while helping them enjoy their travels - and of course, it’s nice to make a bit of money on the way.
What has been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome this?
During the high tide of the pandemic, we had no flights, no tourists. Being confined to a small island for such a period of time, even one so beautiful, was not paradise. It did allow me to complete some maintenance but not having any major interaction with clients was difficult, for lots of reasons. Fortunately, I had my other projects as no clients meant no revenue and we were basically on our own. We’re self-sufficient here, ecological, 95% of our power coming from solar power. Apart from drinking water, all our drinking water comes from the rain. Ultimately, I deeply missed the personal connection.
Tell us about your team!
Cathy manages the place and is a great person of trust. I source people from here and there who help with repair and maintenance, but we don’t need consistent staff. There are three captains I work with for the launchers/water taxis. We give the captains the boat on trust for a period of time and profit share from that. It’s a good team and a very local place where a small team works well together, often close family members. It’s a family resort.
How has Tab helped Aqui Hoy?
Tab is an excellent solution. Life is a learning curve and I found moving our Tab payouts to monthly, not weekly, instalments was really helpful in keeping our bank receiving charges down. Tab helped me set up a schedule to suit my needs.
Why would you recommend Tab to another business?
What’s very applaudable is the timely responses the Tab customer service team provide. It’s extremely quick to get a response. within 24 hours or less. I don’t see that with the other tourism businesses and online travel agents I use. They’re really on top of things.
Why is Panama a great place to visit?
Panama is a great and interesting country, because it’s relatively stable. Now and then a president will disappear with some money, but it’s stable for the regular citizen. A lot of people speak English with great food and a modern airport. The government is spending more and more on tourism, especially in the province where I am. They’re open to good business. And of course, you can use Tab!
You can find out more about Aqui Hoy on their website at https://www.aquihoybocas.com/.
