dinero_admin 
Tourism continues to gain importance within the salvadoran economy. Between january and june 2026, El Salvador recorded more than US$2.1 billion in foreign exchange revenue linked to tourism, a figure representing growth of more than 10% compared to the same period in 2025, according to Tourism minister Morena Valdez.
During an interview, the minister explained that the first-half results account for a significant portion of the target set for all of 2026. The government expects to reach US$3.6 billion in foreign exchange revenue from tourism by the end of the year, so the more than US$2.1 billion accumulated through june demonstrates the pace at which tourism activity is progressing.
The growth of more than 10% reflects an increased inflow of funds into the economy generated by international visitors. This revenue is distributed across various tourism-related activities, such as lodging, food, transportation, retail, and services, meaning the sector’s performance has an impact on a wide range of businesses and workers.
This trend is compounded by an increase in visitor arrivals. As of july 2026, the country had received approximately 2.9 million international visitors, a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and a 94% increase compared to 2019. The main source markets are Guatemala, the United States, and Honduras.
Air connectivity is also part of the strategy to expand tourism markets. Valdez reported that between september 14 and 16, Iberojet will launch inaugural flights on the San Salvador–Madrid and San Salvador–Barcelona routes, along with their respective return flights. She also announced that the country plans to establish a connection with Air Europa toward the end of this year.
Domestic tourism is also showing positive trends. The minister noted that in august, the target of 2.8 million visitors to public tourist, cultural, and natural sites was exceeded, demonstrating that salvadorans themselves are traveling more within the country and contributing to the economic activity of local destinations and businesses.
For the coming months, the tourism calendar includes activities such as the Día de los Farolitos, september 5–7, with events in Ahuachapán, Ataco, Juayúa, and the Ruta de Las Flores. The International Junior Surfing Tournament will also take place from september 4 to 14 in El Sunzal and La Bocana, featuring 426 athletes from 56 countries, as well as more than 233 accompanying guests.
The calendar will continue with the celebration of World Tourism Day, september 25–27, an event that El Salvador will host for the first time. With foreign exchange earnings growing by more than 10%, an increase in visitors, and greater international connectivity, tourism is positioned to have a growing impact on the salvadoran economy in 2026.
You can also read:
