The Rise of Tourism in Nicaragua
Ever since the end of the Contra War in 1990, the economy of Nicaragua has been changing rapidly. Along with export-oriented agriculture and the service sector of the economy, tourism has become a growing source of income for Nicaragua.
In many ways, all Central American countries have been following this trend. Costa Rica, of course, was the first and most effective nation in the region to profit from American and European tourist dollars. Guatemala, too, has become extremely popular with backpackers. For those looking for a bit more of an experience "off the beaten path," Nicaragua, along with Panama, El Salvador, and Belize, are increasingly popular destinations.
Indeed, by some accounts, tourism in Nicaragua has grown at 133% per annum over the past several years. Projects that it seemed would take several years to get off the ground are now become popular in a much short time-frame. Tourists have been lured not just to the main destinations but also to smaller attractions in startling numbers. For this previously unheralded country, the effect is noticeable. The impact, unsurprisingly, is not all positive. Environmental destruction and cultural loss are too common outcomes. But Nicaragua is at an early stage in the development of its tourism industry where it's possible to put in place structures and institutions that respond to these concerns. It really is a critical time, and thus very interesting to be here.
Nicaragua has some awesome places to visit, and it's possible to visit many of them while doing some good. For instance, Quetzaltrekkers, the volunteer trekking and social action organization in León with which I was affiliated, offers trip to the volcanoes surrounding the city while the proceeds go to a school for at-risk children. Other NGOs in Managua and Granada run city tours that expose visitors to sites that the casual tourist might well miss. And on the Isla de Omtepe, there are many opportunities to stay on organic farms and visit the island's attractions in a sustainable way. Volunteering, I have found, is a great way to meet the local people, understand a bit of their world, and contribute in a small way.
Throughout the country, there are many tourism co-ops and small-scale projects designed to bring the benefit of increased tourism to the people. This is particularly true of Nicaragua's wild spaces, a great amount of which is protected through the system of natural reserves. It's important to get out there and find programs that are sustainable and run by local communities.
One cool thing about Nicaragua being a newer destination is that more opportunities exist to make the traveling experience something that the traveler actually wants. I've met many people here who are full of new ideas for the industry. Many of these are foreigners who have developed a great love for Nicaragua, but there are many locals doing innovative things as well.
In León, my friend Bart runs the Via Via, a popular hostel. He's now expanding and developing new partnerships with local Nicaraguans to increase tourism. Similarly, the Oasis in Granada is a hostel that has created quiet and peaceful spaces, full of the amenities (Internet, pool, hammocks and comfy chairs, free DVDs) that travelers hope to find along the way. A restful places like this, while still reasonably priced, allows travelers to recharge while positioning them to interact meaningfully with the culture around them.
The rise of tourism in Nicaragua presents a tremendous potential for the country, along with a few dangers. It's important to think critically about all the options available, and to support those with a beneficial social mission when the opportunity presents itself.
In many ways, all Central American countries have been following this trend. Costa Rica, of course, was the first and most effective nation in the region to profit from American and European tourist dollars. Guatemala, too, has become extremely popular with backpackers. For those looking for a bit more of an experience "off the beaten path," Nicaragua, along with Panama, El Salvador, and Belize, are increasingly popular destinations.
Indeed, by some accounts, tourism in Nicaragua has grown at 133% per annum over the past several years. Projects that it seemed would take several years to get off the ground are now become popular in a much short time-frame. Tourists have been lured not just to the main destinations but also to smaller attractions in startling numbers. For this previously unheralded country, the effect is noticeable. The impact, unsurprisingly, is not all positive. Environmental destruction and cultural loss are too common outcomes. But Nicaragua is at an early stage in the development of its tourism industry where it's possible to put in place structures and institutions that respond to these concerns. It really is a critical time, and thus very interesting to be here.
Nicaragua has some awesome places to visit, and it's possible to visit many of them while doing some good. For instance, Quetzaltrekkers, the volunteer trekking and social action organization in León with which I was affiliated, offers trip to the volcanoes surrounding the city while the proceeds go to a school for at-risk children. Other NGOs in Managua and Granada run city tours that expose visitors to sites that the casual tourist might well miss. And on the Isla de Omtepe, there are many opportunities to stay on organic farms and visit the island's attractions in a sustainable way. Volunteering, I have found, is a great way to meet the local people, understand a bit of their world, and contribute in a small way.
Throughout the country, there are many tourism co-ops and small-scale projects designed to bring the benefit of increased tourism to the people. This is particularly true of Nicaragua's wild spaces, a great amount of which is protected through the system of natural reserves. It's important to get out there and find programs that are sustainable and run by local communities.
One cool thing about Nicaragua being a newer destination is that more opportunities exist to make the traveling experience something that the traveler actually wants. I've met many people here who are full of new ideas for the industry. Many of these are foreigners who have developed a great love for Nicaragua, but there are many locals doing innovative things as well.
In León, my friend Bart runs the Via Via, a popular hostel. He's now expanding and developing new partnerships with local Nicaraguans to increase tourism. Similarly, the Oasis in Granada is a hostel that has created quiet and peaceful spaces, full of the amenities (Internet, pool, hammocks and comfy chairs, free DVDs) that travelers hope to find along the way. A restful places like this, while still reasonably priced, allows travelers to recharge while positioning them to interact meaningfully with the culture around them.
The rise of tourism in Nicaragua presents a tremendous potential for the country, along with a few dangers. It's important to think critically about all the options available, and to support those with a beneficial social mission when the opportunity presents itself.
posted by Hayden @ 12:00 PM
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