Tourism is considered one of the main sectors for the development of Cultural and Creative industries, which are drivers of social, economic, and cultural development in our communities.
In Nicaragua, the right of our people to create and enjoy all forms of art and culture is recognized. To this end, laws, instruments, spaces, and means have been established to ensure that, from the local to the national level, all cultural expressions and places specific to Nicaraguans are recognized and encouraged, so that talents are identified and appreciated, and the artistic and cultural wealth of our communities and families is promoted. In this sense, the Ministry of Tourism in Nicaragua has been implementing Strategies to Promote the Creative and Entrepreneurial Economy, recognizing the contribution of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to the human and economic development of our country.
From the first stage of the development and implementation of the creative, cultural, and touristic project of our towns, art and culture have been a priority, and likewise, in this second stage through different platforms that involve various institutions and ministries that make up the National Commission for the Creative Economy, which work together to organize forums, festivals, fairs, workshops, technical and specialized courses, experience exchanges, training, recognition of tourist destinations, and brand creation, as well as Schools of Art, Craft, and Handicrafts, innovation and creativity contests to foster the creative, talented, and innovative spirit of our people.
The key players materialize their ideas, develop businesses and initiatives to generate workspaces, new income, and foster a culture that values intellectual property.
Tourism activity in Nicaragua contributes to the empowerment of women, youth, and indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples, bringing cultures closer together, promoting entrepreneurship, protecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage, decent work, and many other essential aspects for human development.
As part of the strategy to promote tourism in Nicaragua, there has been a proposal to transform the concept of conventional cities into Creative, Resilient, and Sustainable Cities, where cultural, heritage, historical, and productive wealth positions the country in advantageous conditions while fostering the economic growth of urban families and rural communities, promoting both national and international tourism.
The National Network of Creative Cities of Nicaragua is conceived as the group of cities that stand out for the positioning and development of their cultural, creative, and touristic industries. It establishes, among the priorities of their local development plans, the fulfillment of the individual, the family, and the community by fostering creativity, ingenuity, and talent. Being part of the National Network implies promoting and facilitating the dynamization of the prioritized sectors of the National Creative Nicaragua Program, through the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and practices among industry leaders, the promotion of cultural diversity, and the development of plans that impact new forms of urban design and development.
Within the National Network of Creative Cities in our country, currently included are Masaya, San Juan de Oriente, Granada, León, Estelí, Bluefields, Matagalpa, Juigalpa, Nagarote, and Managua, with Nindirí, San Juan del Sur, Somoto, and Corn Island as new applicant cities.
The National Network contemplates the implementation of action plans based on the Strategy for a Culture of Recreation and Entertainment, linked to life and social, cultural festivities, the promotion of the gastronomy of the people, and sports activities.
ACTIONS TO STRENGTHEN CREATIVE CITIES:
- Create better infrastructure conditions and public spaces, sustainably rescuing and utilizing historical and cultural heritage; improving access to services, housing, and employment opportunities for the key players in the creative and cultural industries.
- Promote the creation of cultural and touristic products and services, encouraging art and spreading our cultural wealth through specialized art schools and scientific research into our cultural heritage.
- Implement training programs on the use of green technologies in creative industries.
- Transform the physical environment of our touristic communities through the joint and comprehensive contribution of the different actors and key players that make up the creative ecosystem.
- Reduce the production of solid waste that pollutes cities by promoting environmentally friendly practices, encouraging recycling, and adopting green technologies to improve urban and rural sustainability from the Creative Economy Model.
It is important to highlight the significant contribution and collaboration from universities. Through multidisciplinary teams made up of teachers and students, they have conducted research processes that include mapping emblematic sites, socio-community diagnostics, collecting interviews, and life stories to rescue cultural identity and rehabilitate spaces in each of the creative cities.
