The Panama Canal, already one of the world's biggest tourist attractions, is about to become a major showplace that highlights both mankind's ingenuity in creating the 8th Wonder of the World as well as the natural marvels of the tropical rainforests that line the Canal along much of its length. As Panama receives Canal properties from the United States, a process that will be completed by midnight of December 31, 1999, it has already begun some creative tourism projects that are sure to attract more visitors than ever to this famous waterway.

These projects include, on the Amador Causeway, a $300 million hotel/casino complex, two smaller hotel projects representing an investment of $30 million, a $100 million cruise ship port-of-call and shopping center, a marina and a professional golf course. Plans are also in the works to build an aerial tram running from Amador to the top of Ancon Hill, two scenic overlook restaurants, and a botanical garden and bird sanctuary.

Further inland, near the Summit Botanical Gardens, an innovative investor has converted a U.S. radar station into a canopy tower for birdwatchers, with comfortable rooms for guests and great views into the rainforest canopy around the tower. The tower is equipped with spotting scopes and has a library with books on Panamanian fauna. From the top, there are excellent views back to Panama City and the Bridge of the Americas.

One of the most exciting projects underway along the Canal is the Gamboa Tropical Rainforest Resort, a $25 million ecotourism center that will feature a 100-room luxury hotel, a teleferico, and a tropical research and education center. The Rainforest Resort, located at the juncture of Lake Gatun and the Chagres River, will have a strong relationship with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, whose scientists will provide seminars and other activities for hotel guests.