Nicaragua is having a moment.
Affectionately known as the land of ‘lakes and volcanoes’, Nicaragua has become the ultimate destination in Central America for those looking to experience natural beauty.
In addition to its beautiful colonial cities, unpretentious organic food, authentic cultural experiences – some as simple as a meal with a local restaurant owner – and thrilling eco-adventures, like sandboarding down an active volcano, or feeding monkeys, Nicaragua can be considered an up-and-coming hotspot for intrepid travellers who want to experience just about anything on their trip.
We connected with Ana Carolina Garcia, Director of Promotion and Market Development for Nicaragua’s Tourism Institute (INTUR), to hear her thoughts on what’s new and upcoming for Nicaragua in 2024 and why it should be on the radar for travel advisors and travellers.
Travelweek: Can you talk about the various segments you’re focusing on for 2024?
Garcia: “In addition to our offer as an adventure destination, moving forward there will be a greater emphasis on sustainable/green tourism, agritourism, cultural and farm-to-table gastronomic experiences.
“Furthermore, in order to promote the various regions of the country and taking advantage of its potential, attractions and main socio economic activities, the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism has created 12 new ‘Tourism Routes’, highlighting each territory, attractions, natural and cultural resources
Travelweek: What are Nicaragua’s strategic objectives for tourism and what type of initiatives are you putting in place to achieve these objectives?
Garcia: “The Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism recently launched a new campaign, ‘Nicaragua … Fascinating, Irresistible’ which seeks to position Nicaragua as a safe, sustainable, diverse, authentic and original destination. We want visitors to discover, tour and get to know the beautiful landscapes, exuberant and unmatched natural wealth, diversity of ecosystems, cultural heritage, friendly and hospitable people and enormous outdoor experiences.
Travelweek: How are you communicating your message to Canadian travel advisors and tour operators to give them a new perspective on Nicaragua?
Garcia: “We’re carrying out Destination Presentations, Lunch and Learn events, and webinars aimed specifically at industry professionals throughout the year.”
Travelweek: How should travel advisors sell the destination to their clients?
Garcia: “The tourist who visits Nicaragua is not just a tourist. On the contrary, the traveller that comes to Nicaragua is a curious and an intrepid traveller with a very open mind. Thus, travel advisors should offer Nicaragua as a non-massive, sustainable, eco-friendly destination, where the unique and experiential experience will be the main protagonists of the trip of those who visit us.”
Travelweek: How is Nicaragua different from other Central American destinations?
Garcia: “Nicaragua stands out from other destinations in the region for its exuberant nature, where you can enjoy unique experiences such as volcano boarding on an active volcano, visiting the only island in the world formed by two volcanoes and located within a freshwater lake, or visit one of the few lava lakes in the world.”
Travelweek: Where does the Canadian market – and, naturally, travel advisors and tour operators – fit into the promotion and marketing plan? Have you seen an increase in the number of Canadians traveling to Nicaragua compared to American travellers?
Garcia: “North America is our second priority market, highlighting the Canadian market in this geographical space as one of the main potential markets.
“We have identified a notable increase in terms of Canadian visitors to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, who are looking for some R&R, or wanting to work remotely while enjoy the sun and beaches.
“More importantly, we have seen an increase of Canadians creating communities, buying real estate or looking for an extended vacation. This gives us a broad vision of the importance and boom that the Canadian market constitutes for our country’s tourism industry.”
Travelweek: Anything else?
Garcia: “If I were the interviewer I would ask, What do you consider to be the best time to visit Nicaragua? And the answer would be: ‘Right now!’
“We have been working hard to have a country with a wide and dynamic tourism offer, a safe and accessible destination.
“As a country located in the tropics, you will find a warm climate most of the year, which allows you to enjoy the experience in the destination more. And since it has the best roads in the entire Central American region, you can tour Nicaragua from the Pacific region to the Caribbean region.
“We are a non-mass destination, which allows the visitor to have a pleasant experience, avoiding saturated destinations. Can you imagine having a beach just for you? In Nicaragua you can find all this and more. So what are you waiting for? Book your next vacation in the land of lakes and volcanoes.”
