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Tola or SJDS or Playa Coco

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pawsitivepaint
  6/21/2016 03:05 EST

I am looking at land option to develop a tourist project (accommodations etc). So far I have a few options: Playa Coco, SJDS or in the Tola area. Obviously SJDS is a much higher price range than the other two so I am wondering your thoughts on tourism in the other two places? With the new airport near Tola do you think this place gets enough tourism? What about Playa Coco?

glockdiver69
  6/21/2016 10:15 EST

Hi Pawsitivepaint,
While I cannot speak about Playa Coco or SJDS [other than it is crowded and does have a lot of ex-pats], I do know the Tola area well. The Tola "Beach area" is growing at a good clip. New paved road, established gated communities, new Airport, new BAC branches / stores / restaurants... Tourism is increasing and has been for the past 5-6 years. Slowly but surely. Property prices, especially anything of quality have increased a lot. The paved road is set to continue past Popoyo and into Las Salinas.
There are already many communities in the region (main 3 are, in order, Guacalito, Hacienda Iguana and Rancho Santana). There are other communities that are smaller and do not offer the services of those three. Guacalito and Rancho Santana are both pretty exclusive. There are also, "backpacker" accommodations all around that are geared towards a certain market (surfing, yoga, eco-friendly...).
What I would recommend is you check out the area for yourself and talk to people. Gringo and local alike. All of the local in the region are very nice. I would find out what NEEDS are there from both the tourist and the local point of view. Fill that need (accommodations, services, what have you) and then make a business plan. The main thing is to know your market. The area is growing and more services are coming online each month. The key is what can you offer and it has to be priced at a price-point of value. Remember, you might be competing with a local family operation and that would not be smart UNLESS you could show a higher value.

One thing I would love to have is a Uno or Puma gas station. You have to drive to Rivas to fill up at a "real" gas station. I heard something was coming, but nothing has broken ground as of yet.

Just my 2-centavos.

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