A. M. 
Tourism in El Salvador experienced a surge during Holy Week 2026, with a 45% increase in international visitor arrivals during the first weekend of the season, according to official data from the salvadoran Ministry of Tourism.
According to the head of the institution, Morena Valdez, 48,000 foreign tourists entered the country between S
Saturday and sunday, a significantly higher figure than the 33,000 registered during the same period in 2025, reflecting sustained growth in the sector.
Central America leads visitor flow
The main country of origin for tourists is Guatemala, which accounts for 54% of all international visitors. According to authorities, tourist arrivals from this country have doubled compared to previous years.
The United States and Honduras follow, along with other markets that continue to show interest in El Salvador as a tourist destination.
Sun and beach, the main attraction
The “sun and beach” segment continues to be the main draw for visitors. Destinations like Surf City 1, located on the coast, stand out for their proximity to the international airport, allowing many tourists to travel directly from their arrival.
Likewise, Surf City 2, in the eastern region, is positioning itself as an emerging destination, especially among Honduran tourists. Other areas like the Costa del Sol are also experiencing high demand.
High traffic in public spaces
In addition to the beaches, the Historic Center of San Salvador remains one of the main gathering points, especially for domestic tourists. During the first holiday weekend, this area saw over 200,000 visitors, both locals and foreigners.
National operation to ensure service
This tourism growth is occurring in parallel with the implementation of the Summer Plan, a strategy that deploys thousands of personnel nationwide to provide security, assistance, and emergency response.
Security, a key factor in growth
Authorities attribute this increase primarily to the country’s improved security conditions. The official emphasized that this factor has been crucial in positioning El Salvador as an attractive destination in the region.
Strengthened security has generated greater confidence among international visitors, facilitating an increase in tourist flow, especially during peak seasons.
An expanding sector
Courtesy
The 45% increase in international visitor arrivals confirms a positive trend for tourism in El Salvador. The combination of security, promotion, and diverse destinations continues to position the country as a competitive option in the region.
With these results, tourism is consolidating its position as one of the main economic drivers for 2026, especially during high-demand seasons such as Holy Week.
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