Tourism growth in El Salvador: an unprecedented boom

El Salvador is currently experiencing remarkable growth in the tourism sector, ranking among the five countries in the world with the highest increase in tourist arrivals. This dynamic is marked by a 25% monthly increase in international arrivals, compared to the previous year.

Flores (Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador)

According to Morena Valdez, Minister of Tourism, the country’s ambition is to exceed the 3.8 million visitor mark by 2024, an ambitious target that reflects El Salvador’s growing appeal as a destination of choice. Indeed, El Salvador has already welcomed more than 2 million international visitors in the first half of 2024, a record figure that testifies to its growing appeal.

Key factors in tourism success

Suchitoto (Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador)

Several factors explain this meteoric rise. Firstly, El Salvador has been recognised by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for its efforts in terms of safety and sustainable development, two crucial elements for today’s travellers. The country is now recognised as one of Latin America’s safest destinations in which to travel, which has considerably enhanced its reputation on a global scale.

At the same time, El Salvador’s tourism strategy has focused on promoting the country’s natural beauty, notably with the famous “Ruta de las Flores”, a tourist route that is attracting more and more adventurers in search of picturesque landscapes and authentic experiences.

Sustainable and committed growth

El Salvador is also using sustainable development as a lever to consolidate its growth in tourism. With a local population increasingly involved in preserving the environment and promoting sustainable practices, the country is responding to a growing demand for eco-responsible tourism. The growth of tourism in El Salvador is contributing not only to the enhancement of its natural heritage, but also to the improvement of local economic conditions.

The impressive growth of tourism in El Salvador is not only the result of a well thought-out strategy, but also of a national desire to position itself as a safe and responsible destination. With the outlook for 2024 extremely promising, El Salvador continues to stand out on the world stage as an emerging tourism destination in Central America.