Nicaragua Wooing More Cruise Ships

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Nicaragua tourism officials say they will invest in new infrastructure projects to attract more cruise ships, including a pier in San Juan del Sur.

The San Juan del Sur project will also include restaurants, souvenir stores and other "attractions."

"The decision has been made to initiate the design of this development plan as soon as possible, which will probably transform the port into one of Central America's most attractive sites," said Nicaraguan Tourism Board president Mario Salinas, in a statement.


On the face of it, this may not seem like dramatic news. Many countries vie for cruise ships. And the ships' impact on tourism, the environment and the quality of a destination are oft-debated. Many second home buyers are eager to avoid cruise ship-friendly resorts.

But in Nicaragua's case, the news suggests the government is growing serious about attracting more tourists. And, perhaps more importantly, it is demonstrating a willingness to invest in badly needed infrastructure. That bodes well for second home and resort developments, which would benefit from increased presence on the international circuit.

If nothing else, cruise ships put a destination on the radar of travelers, which is something Nicaragua sorely needs.

The tourism office says it is negotiating with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association on a deal that will represent "a substantial increase in the number of visitors entering Nicaragua by sea."

Nicaragua currently attracts about 60 cruises between October and May, a 62 percent increase from 2007. It hopes to bump that number to 100 in the next two years.

In addition to San Juan del Sur, the port of Corinto is scheduled for a cruise upgrade.

"We will offer visitors a better variety of touristic packages and activities, which will give them an opportunity to choose where they want to eat and which sites to visit," Salinas said.

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