The Nicaraguan government will launch construction of the Costanera highway soon to boost the country’s tourism sector.

The 131km highway will stretch from the northern to the southern border of the country, helping connect main tourist areas located along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, such as the beach resorts of San Juan del Sur, El Naranjo, Ostional, El Coco, La Flor, Marsella, Las Maderas, Majagual, Guacalito de la Isla, El Gigante, Tupilapa, Huehuete, Casares, La Boquita and Masachapa.

The project to build a highway along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast dates back to the administration of former president Enrique Bolaños (2002-2006). The Ortega administration was planning to award a 20-year concession to build and operate the highway to an Italian consortium. At the time, the estimated investment for the project was US$250 million.

In October, after congress approved a law to regulate public-private partnership contracts, the government presented a list of projects worth US$5.2 billion that it said would be prioritized for investment, including the Costanera highway.

The list is part of a 2017-2021 investment and development program, which the government presented to local and international investors, foreign governments, and financial institutions.