Saturday, January 08, 2011
Dear Reader,
It's moving up the rankings of travel and retirement publications...rating as a top spot to explore in 2011. It's an exotic land, where you can swim in crater lakes, trek through misty cloud forests, surf the warm Pacific waves, or snorkel in clear Caribbean water. But you're off the beaten track. This place is becoming better-known...but it's not quite mainstream yet. It's Nicaragua.
For the first time, the country received a million tourists in 2010. That's a very respectable 8.4% increase on 2009 figures, which also showed an increase of 8.6% on 2008 figures. Most of Nicaragua's visitors still originate in Central America (60% of tourists). North American travelers often overlook this ecowonderland, and its natural beauty, in favor of neighboring Costa Rica. But a couple of factors should change that...
The first was the filming of the hit TV show Survivor on Nicaragua's southern Pacific coast. This gave the country the kind of exposure to large US audiences it could only dream of, but could never afford to pay for. The exposure generated a slew of articles on Nicaragua...and gave primetime audiences a glimpse of this country they'd never seen before. That should mean more tourists in 2011...
Then the AARP decided that Nicaragua rates as a top retirement destination because of its affordability and laid-back lifestyle.
For 2011, Nicaragua ranks as a top destination with Lonely Planet, Travelage West and Shermans Travel. Lonely Planet liked its value, reckoning that careful travelers could get by on $15 a day here. Shermans rated it as an ecotourism and adventure sport destination, with deserted beaches, volcanic islands, and pristine nature. And Travelage West favored it as a more authentic travel experience than Costa Rica.
It's not just tourism. In 2010, exports grew, reaching a record $1.9 billion. The country added 150,000 new jobs, too. With economic growth predicted to hit 3% for 2010, the economic outlook for 2011 is also good.
So the future looks bright for Nicaragua. And if you're thinking you'd like to beat the crowds, and see this up-and-coming star for yourself, you should try our Nicaragua chill weekend.
This trip gives you the chance to explore Nicaragua's amazingly beautiful southern coast...uncover the colonial charms of Granada...and experience the relaxed, laid-back lifestyle here. Plus, you'll check out the country's best beachfront development...with a clubhouse, restaurant, bar, spa, stables, and established community...and where you can still buy an ocean-view lot for $71,000.
Best of all, someone else takes care of the logistics for you. Just turn up at Managua airport and the developer takes care of the rest. Airport transfers...accommodations...and some meals, for $450 per person/$650 per couple sharing. The next trip runs from February 9th-13th. Click here, fill in your name and e-mail address, and Gloria will send you an information package on the chill weekend, and help you reserve a spot.
Margaret Summerfield
Editor's Note: The winner of the Pacific Lots chill weekend for two is P. Kossowan. Congratulations. And there's a consolation prize, too. Every reader that took part in the draw gets a $50 discount on a chill weekend taken before April 15, 2011.
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