Nicaragua and the rest of Central American countries are betting on this new type of tourism to attract significant tourism investment.
Even though he doesn't know it, Michael Altschul is a model "resident tourist." Like others before him, his recent retirement to Nicaragua meant building a house in a luxury development. But far from isolating himself to the private confines of the Gran Pacifica with its golf courses, hotel, restaurants, pools and other starred services, Altschul has taken up the task of improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of Villa del Carmen, the small rural settlement which surrounds his development.