Ometepe Island hosts XVII Expo attracting 16,000 visitors

The XVII edition of Expo Ometepe 2026 took place in Altagracia, Rivas, from September 25 to 27, attracting more than 16,000 visitors. Organized by the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (INTUR) with support from local authorities and international organizations, the event aimed to promote the natural, cultural, and gastronomic attractions of Ometepe Island.

Activities included hiking to the Maderas volcano, environmental conservation efforts, and a national congress titled ‘Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism’. The event also featured artistic presentations, sports competitions, and spaces for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products.

For the first time, international organizations such as the IDB, WFP, UNICEF, and others participated in the event. Local officials, including INTUR Co-director Anasha Campbell and Altagracia Mayor Aurora Elena Álvarez, highlighted the event as a way to strengthen the local economy and celebrate the island's status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.