NicaNotes

September 24, 2026

“Guaranteeing Peace & Security”: Nicaragua’s Tourism Sector Backs Proposed Reforms

By Becca Renk Foster

[Becca Renk Foster is originally from Idaho, USA. For 25 years, she has lived and worked in sustainable community development in Nicaragua. She coordinates the work of Casa Benjamin Linder in Managua and is part of the Nicaragua Solidarity Coalition. This article first appeared in LAProgressive on August 22, 2026.]

Ometepe Island

“I’m not a member of any political party, but I believe that the tourism development in our community has been beneficial for the island.”

I’m standing with tour guide Luis Argeñal on the green folds of Concepción, looking out over a pastoral scene to the cloud-shrouded Maderas. We are on Ometepe Island, two volcanoes sticking up out of vast Lake Nicaragua.

My family has come to stay in the tiny hamlet of Balgüe where my husband and I visited twenty-five years ago when we first moved to Nicaragua. Back then, we had arrived by ferry, hitchhiking on the island where buses were scarce, walking along the dirt tracks with our backpacks to get to the only tourist lodgings on offer at the time, the sparse dorm rooms at Finca Magdalena coffee co-op.

A quarter of a century after that first arduous trip, we arrived on the island in style, zooming over paved roads in the dark and we awoke in the morning to find that Balgüe is now a bustling village of dozens of neat concrete homes, every second one offering “cold coconuts,” “homemade ice cream” or “Mediterranean pizza.” With 93% percent of the tourism offerings on the island owned and operated by locals, it’s plain to see tangible benefits of tourism development for these rural families.

Tourism Transformed

How has so much changed for the small island so quickly?

Following the Sandinista’s return to government in 2007, Nicaragua adopted a National Development Plan and Fight Against Poverty and set out to make health care and education free, build hospitals, schools and roads, and extend the electrical grid and potable water service across the country. As a result, Nicaragua steadily began to recover from the devastation that structural readjustment had wrought during the 1990s and early 2000s.

As part of this fight against poverty, tourism in Nicaragua was revolutionized through the development of a community-based tourism model which ensures that benefits reach local people, is culturally appropriate, and minimizes the environmental impact. Additionally, the National Institute of Tourism, INTUR, began offering more support to small businesses, including offering free trainings in everything from culinary courses to customer support.

By 2017, infrastructure improvements, high levels of trust in the military and police and steady GDP growth of 4-5% all resulted in stability and gave the country an excellent reputation for safety. Tourism was a booming industry supporting thousands of small family businesses across the country – Nicaragua had become one of the most popular destinations for savvy travelers in the Americas.

Tourism Tanked in 2018

Then, in April of 2018, there was a violent coup attempt, which was led and funded by the United States. Money later traced back to USAID and the National Endowment for Democracy was used to pay gangs to put up hundreds of roadblocks which paralyzed the country and became epicenters of violence. The roadblocks lasted for nearly three months, some 270 people were killed, and many more injured. The blow to the Nicaraguan economy was catastrophic: $24 billion in damages and 200,000 jobs were lost. The government calculated the loss to the economy as the equivalent of 52 Category Five hurricanes at once.

Ometepe Island was especially hard hit. The largest volcanic island inside a freshwater lake in the world and a designated UNESCO World Biodiversity Heritage site, Ometepe had managed to improve the lives of its 35,000 inhabitants through responsible development of rural tourism. When the island was suddenly cut off from the mainland by road blocks in 2018, however, tourism tanked.

“I’m a member of the first tour guide cooperative in the country,” Argeñal tells me. “In 2018 we had 65 members and we were all working full time.” Following the coup attempt, most of the members of the co-op – all fluent in English – left to find work outside the country.

“I was one of only 25 left on the island,” he tells me. “I almost emigrated too, but thanks to God I was able to make ends meet by growing coconuts and processing the oil.”

Over the past eight years, Nicaragua’s economy has slowly recovered from damage done by the attempted coup, with GDP growth returning to near pre-2018 levels. Although the tourism industry is improving, it has been slower to recover. One factor limiting tourism growth is that since 2018, the U.S. State Department has maintained a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory on Nicaragua as part of its hybrid warfare strategy against the country.

Today, like so many Nicaraguans I know, Argeñal makes ends meet through a combination of creative enterprises including the coconut oil business, managing an organic tobacco farm, guiding tourists and, just a few weeks ago, he opened up a new investment: a hotel in Moyogalpa near the ferry landing.

Ongoing Threats

For small tour operators like Argeñal, their families’ futures rely on Nicaragua’s continued stability – it’s unlikely their businesses would survive another attempted coup like in 2018. They know that even a perceived security threat can have an immediate effect on tourists visiting the country, which endangers their families’ livelihoods. This is why many in the tourism industry were spooked when Nicaragua hit international headlines recently.

It’s no secret that those behind the failed coup attempt, still supported and financed by the U.S., are constantly working to sow destabilization in Nicaragua. In the context of increased U.S. pressure and recent blatant interference in elections throughout Latin America and leaked audios from “Hondurasgate” revealing a larger propaganda machine working against progressive governments across the region, Nicaragua is taking steps to protect its sovereignty.

On July 19^th co-president Daniel Ortega spoke openly about these threats, warning his constituents: “Just because we’re not at war, don’t think we are at peace. No! They [U.S.-backed opposition] are continuously conspiring, trying to organize political parties, so that they can put up candidates and ensure those parties win the elections,” he said.

“But they can forget that. There will no longer be elections here, there will no longer be elections here for them to capture the government and trap the people,” he continued. “And we are going to work with the National Assembly and the corresponding agencies on laws to build a wall against the coup mongers so that no matter how much money the Yankees give them, they will not succeed!”

Ortega’s words were received with thunderous applause from those listening around the country who understood that the speech proposed changes to Nicaragua’s electoral laws to curb outside interference in the country’s internal democratic processes. International media, however, immediately misquoted Ortega as having “abolished” elections altogether, and this distortion went viral, sparking a response from the U.S. State Department and its Shield of the Americas lackeys.

Consultations with the Tourism Sector

Since July 19th, a special commission of the National Assembly has drafted the proposed reforms to the constitution and is holding a series of 30 meetings with all sectors of Nicaraguan society to explain the changes and receive feedback.

Two days after returning from Ometepe Island, I have the opportunity to take part in one of these meetings, with Nicaragua’s tourism sector. As coordinator of the Casa Ben Linder guesthouse and study tours, I join other tour operators, hotel owners and travel agency reps filling up a meeting room in Nicaragua’s tallest building – 14 stories – to seek clarification and reassurance of stability from the government.

“We will still have democratic elections,” National Assembly President Dr. Gustavo Porras assures our assembled group, explaining that there are three essential elements to the proposed changes. “[W]e need stability so that our businesses can grow and our jobs can be secured. To develop the country, we need security. For there to be stability, there must be peace.”

Proposed Reforms

Porras explains the reforms in a straightforward manner. There are six changes being proposed, the three fundamental ones are as follows:

1) Anyone who has been convicted of treason, participated in a coup attempt, participated in actions that threaten Nicaragua’s self-determination or sovereignty, violated the principles of the constitution, or has requested military intervention or economic blockades from foreign countries will not be eligible for elected office, nor to be appointed to public office.

2) Political parties receiving foreign financing or whose candidates receive foreign funding will have their legal status revoked.

3). Elections will take place every seven years and the next Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place in 2028.

The other proposed changes amount to housekeeping: clarifying that municipal and regional elections will also take place every seven years with the next elections being 2029 and 2030 respectively; and that those who were elected or appointed for periods of six years will stay in their positions for an extra year. There is also a proposed date change to hold the inauguration on the 18^th of January (instead of 10 January) in order to coincide with the birthday of Nicaragua’s national poet, Rubén Darío.

“Elections are just a small part of democracy,” Porras elaborates. “Ours are the most democratic: they’re universal, direct, secret, and so on. Some countries use electoral colleges — those aren’t as democratic, with less direct participation. Others use the parliamentary system where members of parliament elect the head of state. These systems are all democratic, each with its own model.”

Recovery Requires Protection

Back on Ometepe the previous weekend, we are paddling kayaks up the Río Istián between Ometepe’s two volcanic peaks, when Argeñal points out a submersed caiman, with just the snout showing out of the water. Then another, and another, and then one about three feet long perched on top of bushes, sunning itself with its jaws wide open. In all, we see 15 caimans during our paddle.

“Twenty years ago, I was here on this river working on an environmental survey to apply to make this a protected reserve, and it was uncommon to see caimans at all,” he explains. “We ran into men with firearms who were hunting caimans for their skins. Thanks to God, our application was granted and all hunting of caimans was prohibited.”

Argeñal explains that, as a result of the responsible tourism industry, islanders now clearly see the economic benefit to their families and communities of looking after the environment, a win-win for Ometepe’s people and its biodiversity.

“Today, you can see how the fauna has recovered,” he says.

Like the caimans of the Río Istián, Nicaragua’s tourism industry is recovering, but needs to continue to be protected from outside threats. The country’s government understands that every family, every community, every industry is relying on Nicaragua’s defense of its sovereignty to guarantee a better future.

In concluding the National Assembly meeting with the tourism industry, Porras explains how these essentials are linked.

“Without peace, there is no stability; without security, there is no stability and no peace. Therefore, the goal of these elements is to help our country move forward in the fight against poverty.”

Briefs

By Nan McCurdy

All Set for Third Multi-Hazard Drill

More than 1.9 million people from different parts of the country will participate on September 24^th in the third national drill for life-saving measures in multi-hazard situations. Dr. Guillermo González, Minister and Director of SINAPRED, Nicaragua’s disaster prevention and mitigation agency, reported that during the drill, alarms will be activated throughout the country to test the response capacity to various emergency situations. The scenario involves a 7.4-magnitude earthquake located at the collision zone of the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates, off the Pacific coast at a depth of 25 kilometers. According to the proposed scenario, the earthquake would trigger tsunamis and volcanic eruptions and, combined with rainfall, would cause flooding and landslides in various parts of the country. He noted that this exercise will allow for the participation of different segments of the population and is designed to prepare for a scenario in which multiple threats could occur simultaneously. (La Primerisima, 22 September 2026)

Nicaragua Continues to Freeze Prices of Gasoline, Diesel and Gas

The Ministry of Energy and the Nicaraguan Energy Institute announced that the price adjustments that would normally result from international market conditions will not be applied during the week of September 20–26, 2026. Gasoline and diesel prices will remain unchanged locally. Liquefied petroleum gas—10-, 25-, and 100-pound tanks—will also remain unchanged, as it is the cooking fuel used in households. Officials noted that since late 2021, oil and its derivatives have risen steadily in price and that the Sandinista government will continue to monitor international prices and other variables to mitigate the impact on household finances, public transportation, industry, and production. The Nicaraguan government’s decision contrasts with what has just happened in the rest of the isthmus, where regulators did pass the increase on to gas stations. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica have been raising fuel prices every week, with Costa Rica now having the highest fuel prices in the region at US$6.05 per gallon. (Informe Pastran, 21 September 2026)

Strengthening Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Cancer

The Sandinista Government received 90 thermo-coagulators donated to the Ministry of Health (MINSA) by the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization. In addition, the Sandinista Government delivered new medical equipment including gynecological examination tables, electrosurgical units, gooseneck lamps, and ultrasound machines, which will improve the conditions and quality of care received by Nicaraguan women. Dr. Maribel Hernández, coordinator of the Maternal Health Component at MINSA, explained that the thermo-coagulators will enable the early and timely treatment of lesions that could eventually develop into cancer, noting that this equipment will be distributed equitably among health facilities throughout the country.

“This effectively translates into an improvement within the health care system to optimize diagnosis and ensure timely treatment,” said Hernández, who added that the new equipment will also help strengthen care in operating rooms and gradually improve the quality of services. Carmen Cruz, director of the Bertha Calderón National Women’s Referral Hospital, explained that the Bertha Calderón Hospital treats approximately 120,000 women each year, including pregnant women and patients receiving gynecological care. She added that the thermo-coagulators will be used in the clinic dedicated to the treatment of malignant lesions and can also be taken to the “My Hospital in My Community” outreach events, making it easier for women to access these specialized services. (La Primerisima, 18 September 2026)

New Hospital in León Performs 14,300 Surgeries in 1^st Year

The new Dr. Oscar Danilo Rosales Teaching Hospital in León, one year after its construction, has performed 14,300 surgeries, including cardiac catheterizations, pacemaker implants, neurosurgery, and highly complex spinal procedures. In addition, surgeries have been performed in utero to treat health problems in babies before birth.

According to a report, 3,258 babies have been born at the hospital. Furthermore, 246,307 medical consultations have been held, and 6,888 CT scans, 4,601 MRI scans, and 6,236 mammograms have been performed.

This demonstrates continued progress in strengthening the family and community health model and in the importance of building more hospitals to safeguard the health, lives, and well-being of the people. On September 21, in León, the 70th anniversary of the heroic deed of the poet Rigoberto López Pérez in bringing to justice Anastasio Somoza García in 1956 was commemorated and, on the same day, the first anniversary of the Dr. Oscar Danilo Rosales Teaching Hospital was celebrated—a project that makes the people’s right to quality, specialized healthcare a reality. See photos: https://radiolaprimerisima.com/2026/09/21/nuevo-hospital-de-leon-ha-realizado-14300-cirugias-en-un-ano/  (La Primerisima, 21 September 2026)

European Nicaragua Solidarity Meeting Planned for October

The European Movement of Solidarity with Nicaragua will meet in Brescia, Italy, on October 23, 24, and 25, 2026, for the 11th European Solidarity Meeting with the Sandinista People’s Revolution. The meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the work currently being carried out by each committee and collective, exchange experiences, and jointly analyze the situation in Nicaragua and the main challenges facing the European solidarity movement. There will also be an opportunity to share information directly with Nicaraguan representatives and institutions. One of the focal points of the meeting will be the continuation of the “NICARAGUA SE RESPETA” campaign, aimed at defending Nicaragua’s sovereignty and dignity, demanding compliance with the International Court of Justice’s 1986 ruling, and calling for reparations for the damages caused during the war of the 1980s. In Brescia, new initiatives will be discussed to strengthen and expand this campaign across various European countries.

The meeting aims to look toward the future. Its tasks will be reviving the memory of internationalism, strengthening information and communication about Nicaragua, continuing solidarity and cooperation activities, and coordinating among the various committees and groups.

The meeting is open to committees, associations, collectives, and individuals committed to the Sandinista Revolution. For more information or to register send an email message to: solidaridad.europea.rps@gmail.com  (La Primerisima, 21 September 2026)

1,500 Inmates Receive Benefit of Serving Sentence at Home

1,500 male and female inmates serving sentences in various prisons across Nicaragua were released on September 21 thanks to the legal family reunification benefit granted by the Sandinista government. Authorities from the Ministry of the Interior reported that 1,407 men and 93 women were released. Interior Minister María Amelia Coronel Kinloch noted that “this offers them a chance to return to their homes and families and embark on a new phase of responsibility, work, and peace,” she said. She said that during their time in correctional facilities, many of those released participated in educational programs at various levels and technical courses. “We only ask that they not forget the importance of working with discipline and walking the path of goodness—for their own well-being, that of their families, and that of their communities,” she said.

The main ceremony took place at the Jorge Navarro Correctional System, known as “La Modelo,” in Tipitapa. See photos: https://radiolaprimerisima.com/2026/09/21/mil-500-reos-reciben-beneficio-de-convivencia-familiar/ (La Primerisima, 21 September 2026)

Dangerous and High-Risk Work Prohibited for Minors Under 18

Labor Minister Johana Vanessa Flores issued a decree which expressly prohibits dangerous work for all persons under 18 years of age within the national territory. This ministerial provision complies with the Constitution of Nicaragua and the international commitments undertaken under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions Nos. 138 and 182, which focus on the eradication of child labor and the elimination of its worst forms. The decree instructs labor inspectors to intensify monitoring and inspections in both the formal and informal sectors to ensure that children are not hired and to prevent adolescents from performing tasks that endanger their lives or their physical, mental, or moral well-being. Furthermore, these agencies are empowered to investigate and penalize any violation of the provisions of the regulation. (La Primerisima, 23 September, 2026)