A. M. 
El Salvador registered a 92% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025, making it the country with the highest growth in the Americas and the third highest worldwide, according to data released by UN Tourism.
The report places the Central American country first in the Americas in terms of percentage growth in the tourism sector during 2025. In the regional ranking, El Salvador surpassed destinations such as Curaçao (+69%), Colombia (+50%), Brazil (+46%), Guyana (+45%), and Guatemala (+44%), among others.
Third worldwide
Globally, El Salvador ranks third in tourism growth, behind only Bhutan (+198%) and Qatar (+138%). Even surpassing countries like Bahrain (+91%) and Albania (+89%), El Salvador’s performance positions it as one of the most dynamic destinations in the recovery and expansion of international tourism.
The global ranking reflects a significant rebound in several regions, especially in Asia Pacific and the Middle East; however, El Salvador stands out as the only country in the Americas among the top three globally.
What does this growth measure?
The reported percentage corresponds to the increase in international tourist arrivals compared to previous reference periods used by the international organization. This indicator allows for the evaluation of the recovery, expansion, and attractiveness of destinations in the global travel market.
A 92% growth rate means that the country practically doubled its flow of international visitors during the analyzed period, representing a significant boost for related sectors such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, commerce, and tourism services.
The global ranking reflects a significant upswing in several regions, especially in Asia Pacific and the Middle East; however, El Salvador stands out as the only country in the Americas among the top three globally.
Impact on the economy
The increase in tourist arrivals has direct and indirect effects on the national economy. In addition to generating income from the consumption of goods and services, tourism boosts employment in both formal and informal sectors, encourages investment, and strengthens the country’s image as an international destination.
El Salvador’s position as a regional leader and third worldwide reinforces its presence on the global tourism map and consolidates a trend of sustained growth in the sector through 2025.
With these results, the country is emerging as one of the most promising new destinations in the Americas, according to official UN Tourism data.
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