The Guardian Observer posted an interesting article about tourism in Nicaragua under the Ortega government and in particular, Ortega's promise to leave private investors alone. They state:

From a tiny base, tourism has exploded, with 803,933 tourists visiting in 2005, mainly from the US, central America and Europe, up from 579,165 in 2002. Last year's revenues are expected to be $240m, outstripping the other main earner, coffee.

'Central America is the fastest growing region in the world and and we are growing faster than our neighbours,' Maria Rivas, the outgoing tourism minister, said. Donor nations, including Britain, are funding training and infrastructure projects in the belief that tourism is the country's route out of poverty.

The article goes on to quote Joshua Berman, co-author of Moon Handbooks Nicaragua and Moon Living Abroad Nicaragua.

One reason Ortega is interested in tourism is that he seems to be investing in projects himself. No wonder, then, he says "'No one is going to allow the seizure of property big or small. We need to eradicate poverty, but you don't do that by getting rid of investment and those who have resources." Sounds like he's been reading our books.

Read the rest of the article at The Guardian Observer.