How Israeli Entrepreneurs Turned a Remote Panamanian Beach into a Global Hotspot
A remote beach in Panama has turned into a booming tourism and real estate hotspot, transformed from barren land into a vibrant hub by Israeli entrepreneurs since 2008.
An isolated beach in Panama, formerly barren pastureland, has transformed into a global tourism and real estate hotspot thanks to a group of Israeli entrepreneurs. As reported by TheMarker, the story of Playa Venao began in 2008 when Asaf Aloush and four partners acquired the central bay and decided to build a settlement from scratch.
Living initially in containers without running water or internet, the founders drilled wells, paved roads, and laid advanced infrastructure. Today, the pristine coastline features kosher shawarma, hummus restaurants, footvolley clubs, massive Independence Day parties, and a distinctly Israeli atmosphere attracting backpackers and families alike.
This success rapidly translated into an unprecedented surge in real estate values. Land once purchased for $10,000 per dunam now sells for over $200,000, with luxury villas priced in the millions. Aloush revealed he previously turned down a $15 million offer for his beachfront hotel, stating no amount of money could buy the dream he realized.
Notably, Playa Venao was also the birthplace of Selina, the hospitality giant founded by Israeli entrepreneurs Rafi Museri and Daniel Rudasevski. Starting as a single hostel on the Panamanian beach, the company grew into a global chain that raised hundreds of million dollars and went public at a valuation of $1.2 billion, before facing severe financial difficulties and entering liquidation proceedings in early 2025.
