A. M. The Banco Central de Reserva confirmed that tourism grew between 3 and 4% compared to 2024. Added to this is an increase in foreign currency generated by tourists, which is projected to exceed US$3 billion by the end of 2025.
Furthermore, El Salvador is making strong progress toward its goal of welcoming 4 million international visitors in 2025. Tourism authorities emphasize that half of that figure was already reached at the end of the first half of the year, with 2 million registered arrivals.
Tourism minister Morena Valdez affirmed that efforts to diversify tourism and attract visitors from different continents are bearing fruit. More tourists are arriving from neighboring countries such as Guatemala and Honduras, but also from Europe, South America, and Asia.
“Tourism has established itself as a lever for economic development. We have gone from contributing 5% to 10% of GDP”, explained Valdez, who also highlighted the job creation and dynamism in the country’s emerging destinations.
As part of this strategy, El Salvador was chosen to host the renowned IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon, which will take place on Lake Ilopango. Valdez stated that this is an important achievement, as the country competed with other nations to secure the title.
“Salvadoran athletes will participate, and it will be an endurance test that will include cycling, open water swimming, and running”, the official explained. The event is scheduled to be officially announced after the august holidays.
According to the minister, two technical visits have already been made by international organizers, who evaluated infrastructure, safety, and health issues. The arrival of this international event also aims to attract tourism investment and consolidate the country as a sports destination.
