Since 2007, the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity has prioritized and revalued tourism, promoting a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and accessible activity based on our identity and authenticity, placing the human being at the center.
It has articulated the way of life and productive practices of local families and communities as added value to natural and cultural attractions, in such a way that the Nicaraguan way of producing and living is appreciated and shared.
For years, tourism has been among the main sectors generating foreign currency and jobs; it stands out in the National Plan to Fight Poverty 2022-2026 as an integral part of the national guideline to develop the creative, family and entrepreneurial economy with an emphasis on associative models in order to diversify activity in all fields, taking advantage of cultural and natural resources.
After the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, resilience is the banner of tourism, the public and private sectors have joined technical and financial efforts in Nicaragua, such is the case of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO, which together with various government institutions, led by the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism, implements the Rural Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Project in Agrotourism to improve livelihoods in 20 communities in Jinotega, Matagalpa, Boaco and Chontales.
Rural tourism is projected as an important strategy for rural development, where agri-food products, rural agro-industry, crafts and traditional cuisine will be some of the relevant resources for the reactivation of tourism, as well as one of the most viable paths to the recovery of the tourism sector in the post-Covid scenario.
The work plan included the formulation of the project for agrotourism farms in prioritized rural landscapes in Nicaragua; training for the use of digital platforms that allow the promotion of agrotourism, delivery of technological equipment (solar panels, laptops and high-end cell phones) in line with the 1000 Digital Villages Initiative; as well as a communication campaign for the promotion and marketing of rural tourist attractions.
FAO country representative, Iván León, said that “Agrotourism in a country like Nicaragua is an opportunity to supplement the income of families who work in agricultural activities, because they can invite families, communities, Nicaraguans and foreigners to see these beauties in a natural environment, so for us working hand in hand with Intur and other entities has been very important... this initiative seeks to contribute to bringing initiatives closer together using digital platforms to make themselves known and improve access to tourists.".
The priority territories are dedicated to the cultivation of coffee, corn, flowers, citrus fruits and tubers, as well as livestock, in areas full of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, natural viewpoints and friendly people, proud and fond of their ancestral roots, willing to work and share with visitors to preserve their resources and culture.
