The crisis that continues to affect Nicaragua has left 70,000 people out of jobs according to Lucy Valenti , President of Nicaragua’s National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR).

After almost 4 months of violence in the streets, several hotels have been forced to closed their doors due to the decrease in the number of clients.

Back in June Volaris Airlines had announced the suspension of its flights from Costa Rica to Nicaragua; starting this week American Airlines, United, Delta and Spirit announced the reduction in the frequency of flights to the Central American country.

American Airlines went from three flights a day to just one. Delta Airlines will cancel two of their weekly flights leaving only one in operation. Spirit Airlines went from six flights a week to just two and changed its flight schedules.

United Airlines will suspend their flights from August 21st through September 3rd, and as of September 4th their flights will change itineraries to only operate during the day time.

Iberia, airline which was scheduled to begin operations in October 1st, connecting Managua, Nicaragua to Madrid, Spain, said the new routes are now in jeopardy.

Commerce and tourism are the two sectors that have suffered the most.

CANATUR affirms that 80% of small hotels have closed their doors, while in Managua, where the main hotels are located the occupation has dropped from a 67% annual occupation to just 12 to 14%. When it comes to restaurants 32% have also shut down.

The Central Bank of Nicaragua has estimated that the tourism industry will lose close to $231 million dollars in 2018. In 2017 international tourism generated an income of $840 million dollars 9% more than in 2016.