A. M. 
Cruise passengers visiting El Salvador spend between US$100 and US$150 daily at tourist destinations, generating a direct impact on the local economies of areas such as the Ruta de Las Flores, coffee farms, archaeological sites, and colonial towns, according to Alejandra Durán, executive director of the Corporación Salvadoreña de Turismo (Corsatur), during a radio interview.
Durán explained that the spending by cruise ship visitors stays primarily in the destinations they visit, benefiting restaurants, tour guides, local businesses, transportation, artisans, and entrepreneurs. “We estimate that they spend between US$100 and US$150 per day, and that money stays in the tourist areas they visit”, the official emphasized.
The director of Corsatur noted that in 2025 the country surpassed its international visitor target, reaching 4.1 million, reflecting the growth of the tourism sector and travelers’ confidence in the country. “The majority of international visitors come from the United States, Guatemala, and Honduras, and they are looking for a safe country with attractive activities and destinations”, she said.
In the case of the Amadea cruise ship, which recently arrived at the port of Acajutla, Durán explained that it was carrying approximately 1,000 people, including crew members and passengers, who visited various tourist destinations throughout the country. The official noted that cruise season runs from october to may and that El Salvador has been included in cruise routes due to its organizational and logistical capacity to serve visitors.
Durán explained that cruise passengers often travel along the Ruta de Las Flores, visit coffee farms, archaeological sites, and colonial towns with renovated infrastructure, which enhances the tourist experience and boosts local economies. The official also highlighted that the country continues to strengthen its tourism offerings through sporting and cultural events. Among these, she mentioned surfing, golf, water sports, and motorsports competitions, as well as challenge events such as IRONMAN 70.3 and the Tour El Salvador 2026, which features more than 120 participating cyclists. He also announced the Ilopango Air Show 2026, an event that in previous editions has attracted between 5,000 and 7,000 people per day and that this year promises innovations.
Regarding the business sector, Durán pointed out that El Salvador has more than 3,500 tourism companies, but only 1,012 are registered with the Registro Nacional de Turismo. He urged business owners to register to access benefits such as loans, training, certifications, and promotion.
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