El Salvador’s tourism sector has generated foreign exchange income of more than US$2,223 million through july of this year, according to data provided by the Ministry of Tourism. This economic growth is the result of a government strategy that seeks to strengthen the tourism value chain, attract more investors, and consolidate the country as an international tourist destination.
Morena Valdez, minister of Tourism, highlighted that the country has received 2.3 million visitors so far this year, which represents an increase of 22% compared to 2023. In addition, these figures represent a 56% progress in the annual goal of receiving four million tourists. This dynamism not only impacts the economy, but also drives the modernization of infrastructure and the generation of employment in areas with high tourism potential.
Investment in tourist areas, especially on the coast of La Libertad, has been key to this growth. In recent weeks, new businesses have been inaugurated and more investments are expected to arrive, which will strengthen the local economy and attract even more national and international visitors.
The security strategies implemented by the government have improved investor confidence in the country, positioning El Salvador as a benchmark for tourism growth in the region. Public tourism infrastructure continues to expand, with projects such as Surf City II in the eastern zone, which has a US$106 million investment financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The Historic Center of San Salvador has become the second most visited tourist site in the country, second only to the Puerto de La Libertad Tourist Complex, according to Minister Valdez. These development poles reaffirm the Government’s vision of positioning tourism as a key pillar of the Salvadoran Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
With these results, El Salvador continues to consolidate itself as a tourist destination in constant growth, supported by an integral strategy that seeks the sustainable development of the sector.