The Shift is Happening
Sep 13th, 2008 by Kevin
I wanted to point of a great article on Nicaragua from the Toronto Star that talks to the changing face of Nicaraguan. Although the article focus’s mostly on on tourism, this should get any foreign investor excited about the potential of this amazing country. Nicaragua is still at the head of the property lifecycle curve, traditional risks that were associated with this country are dissolving. Further, now the media is starting to look at Nicaragua more and more. The the difference between a spectacular investment and a good investment is taking action now vs 5 years from now.
Some of the interesting points from the article:
- Many who have been [to Nicaragua] refer to the country as “the next Costa Rica,” a tip of the hat to the southwestern neighbor that has become a favorite spot for North Americans looking for a safe, eco-friendly, virtually untouched place to vacation or retire.
- Nicaragua offers all of that, as well as historically significant cultural options in museums and architecture where Costa Rica falls short.
- The number of visitors to the country has increased 7 per cent since 2007
- Most visitors are Europeans, primarily from England, who spend four to five days and upwards of $150 (U.S.) per day. Canada ranks fourth. The United States is third and other Central American countries fill in the gap.
- Tax incentives and tourism laws aimed at luring international investors and retirees to the country are working.
- The new Nicaragua is cited by many guidebooks as one of the safest countries in Central America. Cruise ships have been stopping regularly since 1996.
One great comment that the author quoted from Tania Estrada, spokesperson for the tourism and trade department:
“The thing that you need to see is the country, not the political things or the problems of the government,” she says. “People need to visit to understand.”
We can definitely attest to this. If you have interest in investing in this great country, think about joining us on our next trip in January 2009.
Did you read my comments on the article and my small attempt to highlight northern Nicaragua’s lack of tourist advertising? Playa Roca Beach Hotel is on the Pacific coast. We are only 13 miles west of the colonial city of Leon. The north has everything and more than the much more publicized southern part of the country. We have wilderness refuges with nesting turtles, crocodiles, variety of birds. Volcano’s to hike, beaches to surf and fish, or just sit and view over inexpensive cuisine. Dorm rooms from $6.00 to ocean front private rooms for $25-$35 per night. See playaroca.com for directions and photo’s. Sunset’s that make Hawaii cringe, and $1.00 beers right on the ocean front.
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment. I went back to the Toronto Star article to see your comment. I actually didn’t feel that the article was biased - the take away for me was the general shift taking place across the entire west coastal region and the country as a whole for that matter. We are involved with property in the Northern pacific region as well as in the south. It is all beautiful, and each area has its own unique aspects. I would be hard pressed to say that one region is better than another, however the north definitely still more untouched in many respects. Things (people, investment, tourism etc) are moving that direction though, as I am sure you are finding! When we are there in January again, I would love to stop in and say hello - always interested in meeting up with other people following their dreams!