Nicaragua's Tourism Sector Continues to Grow

    WASHINGTON, DC, May 23, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Preliminary statistics recently published by the Nicaraguan Tourism Board (INTUR, for its acronym in Spanish) indicate that Nicaragua continued to grow in both tourist arrivals and tourism revenues during the first four months of 2010. Statistics indicate that arrivals grew in 8.9 percent, reaching 338,248 visitors, while revenues increased 22.5 percent up to US$99 million, when compared to the same period last year.

Specifically, March has been the month that reported the highest increase in tourist arrivals, rising 16.7 percent compared to 2009, due mainly to visitors who arrived during Holy Week.

INTUR's report also highlights that 28 cruises visited Nicaragua in the past four months, four of which docked at Corinto Port in Chinandega and 24 in San Juan del Sur, Rivas. In total, more than 19,000 visitors disembarked from those 28 cruises. According to INTUR, the goal for the next two years is to attract 100 cruise ships to the country.

Some of the aspects that have made Nicaragua one of the most attractive tourism destinations in the region include the country's pleasant climate, high levels of personal safety, unique cultural experience, spectacular natural beauties and affordable cost of living.

As part of the country's efforts to promote tourism internally and externally, INTUR has launched a campaign that consists of organizing regional fairs across Nicaragua to highlight each region's tourism potential. The theme of the campaign is "Nicaragua...Unique, Original", and will be executed in conjunction with small and medium companies of the tourism sector, local municipalities and other government institutions.

Additionally, Nicaragua was the only country in the region that registered positive results in both tourism arrivals and tourism revenues during 2009, with growth rates of 8.6 and 25.2 percent, respectively.

PRONicaragua is the Nicaraguan Investment Promotion Agency, established in 2002. It is a non-profit, public-private institution whose mission is to generate economic growth and job creation in Nicaragua by attracting high-quality foreign direct investment. The agency provides complimentary support services to qualified investors seeking investment opportunities in our country. For further information, please contact us at (505) 2270-6400 or http://pronicaragua.org.

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