A. M. The Government of El Salvador launched the Plan Vacacion, a national operation involving more than 75,000 personnel from the Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil to ensure the safety, well-being, and peace of mind of the population during the August holidays. The deployment will run from August 1 to 6, covering religious celebrations, tourist areas, highways, and high-traffic areas.
According to the Director of Civil Protection, Luis Alonso Amaya, the plan contemplates a comprehensive and coordinated response among state institutions. There will be 170 monitoring points distributed across 31 beaches, 7 parks, and 2 lakes, where 342 lifeguards will operate. In addition, the Emergency Operations Center will be active 24/7 throughout the holiday season.
The Ministry of Health is also participating by activating 41 public hospitals, including those of the Ministry of Health and the ISSS, in addition to 183 health units. Of these, 73 will provide 24-hour care and 110 will operate during regular business hours, according to minister Francisco Alabi.
Regarding tourism, minister Morena Valdez reported that the arrival of more than 90,000 international visitors is projected during this period, which could translate into approximately US$60 million in foreign currency earnings. “We expect mainly tourists from the United States, many of them salvadorans from the diaspora”, she said.
The strategy also includes roadside assistance measures. Deputy minister of Transportation Nelson Reyes noted that the free MOP Te Asiste tow truck service will be available to those in need, as long as drivers have their documentation in order and are not under the influence of alcohol.
With this initiative, the Government not only seeks to guarantee citizen safety but also to stimulate the national economy through domestic and international tourism, in a coordinated effort among institutions to offer a safe holiday season with a high positive impact for the country.
