According to the WTTC Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2014 report on Nicaragua, the tourism industry directly contributed to 4 percent of the country’s GDP in 2013. This primarily reflects the economic activity generated by industries such as hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services. The report also indicates that the direct contribution of this industry to the country’s GDP is expected to grow by 5.8 percent by 2024.

In terms of jobs, the tourism industry generated 82,000 jobs directly (3.3% of total employment) and 195,500 jobs indirectly (7.9% of total employment) in 2013. By 2024, this industry is expected to support 92,000 jobs directly and 280,000 jobs indirectly, according to the WTTC.

According to the Boston Globe, these growth stats are making Nicaragua one of the world’s top ten emerging destinations. In a recent publication, the journal wrote “Industry experts are calling Nicaragua the hottest destination in Central America, and one of its best bargains…The political climate has long settled down and the country is throwing out the welcome mat to foreign visitors, investing in infrastructure and facilities.”

Similarly, the Lonely Planet featured Nicaragua among the Best in Travel Countries for this 2015, pointing out that “Nica neophytes have long been touting Nicaragua as ‘the new Costa Rica’. And in the sense that it’s cheaper, safer and less developed than its Central American neighbor, we can see why…But ask any local, and they’ll tell you that far from any imitation, Nicaragua is a unique natural playground with a history, culture and cuisine all of its own”.

Published by: PRONicaragua

Source: http://www.pronicaragua.org/en/newsroom/press-releases/1445-tourism-industry-in-nicaragua-continues-to-soar-according-to-the-wttc

January 14th, 2015