The tourism industry in Nicaragua is one of the most affected as a result of the crisis that goes now on three months and has left close to 350 people dead and thousands injured.

During the month of June, Volaris Airlines had announced the suspension of its flights from Costa Rica to Nicaragua, and hotels such as Mukul Auberge Resorts Collection in Rivas, the Seminole Hotel and the Teodolinda Mansion Hotel announced the suspension of their operations in the Central American country.

Today, luxury hotel El Convento and its restaurant El Victoriano, located in the city of Leon, closed its doors and let go of its staff, the announcement was made by the company Art Collections Hotels, owner of the emblematic property, and also of La Recoleccion Hotel, its restaurant La Esquina and the Art Center of the Ortiz-Gurdian Foundation, all of which also closed operations.

“It is with deep regret that we inform that all operations of Art Collection Hotels will be officially closed as of today (July 15) in the city of Leon, and will remain closed until safety has been restored to allow a healthy environment of development of local tourism”, reads the statement.

Information published in Nicaraguan daily La Prensa, affirms that in June 2018 only 19,990 passengers entered the country by air, which represents 43,718 travelers less than in June 2017, a drop of 68.6%.

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.

The closure of hotels and restaurants, tour operators, etc. also translates in more unemployment, the Nicaraguan Tourism Industry estimates there will be a loss off close to 85,100 jobs.