According to comparative data for the region, tourism reactivation has been faster in El Salvador, at around 20%, and cruise ship visits will contribute to this growth.

The Central Government highlights tourism as an essential axis for development, as it is one of the most important sectors of the economy, with an annual generation of more than 50,000 direct jobs and almost 200,000 indirect jobs.

Government officials welcomed the 828 passengers of U.S. and Canadian origin, and 1,022 crew members, who are traveling aboard this 295-meter long vessel, owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines.

The reception event was attended by the Ministers of Tourism, Morena Valdez, and Economy, María Luisa Hayem; as well as the President of the Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (CEPA), Federico Anliker.

The Minister of MITUR, said that visitors will be making different tourist destinations, such as the Santa Ana volcano, the historic center, Nahuilzalco, Sonsonate. In addition, the institution expects more boats to come, with more tourists so that they can generate more foreign exchange to the entire value chain of the tourism sector in the country.

The head of CEPA, added that this is the first passenger cruise ship that the country receives after (the economic reopening due to) the pandemic. He emphasized that every day tourists are really feeling safer and the excellent work being done by the Ministry of Tourism.