Hotel and restaurant business up but effect of water crisis yet to come

(PanamaNewsRoom) Hotel and restaurant income in Panama climbed in the first nine months of 2010, but the effects of the ongoing water crisis that started in early December have yet to be measured.

Between January and September of last year income climbed $38 million over the same period in 2009, to $650.6 million, according to by the Comptroller General.

The bulk of the growth was from businesses in the Panama City area where revenues rose to $545 million.

Rino Tamburelli, of the Panama Restaurant Association, said 2010 was a "good year," but warned that the water crisis at . will impact on revenues.