Tourism Minister Morena Valdez announced a 35% hike in visitors to El Salvador this year. Over 2.1 million people visited in the first eight months.
Valdez highlighted more tourists from Guatemala, Honduras, South America, and Europe.
She also said international visits increased by 25% compared to 2019, before the pandemic.
This meets 74% of this year’s goal set by the ministry. Tourists spent over US$2.1 billion, with daily expenses ranging from US$195 to US$250 per person.
The average stay was between nine and twelve days.
Data shows 45% of these tourists came from the U.S. Guatemala and Honduras contributed 23% and 15% of the visitors, respectively.
Valdez also noted more arrivals from Latin America and Europe. She credits the rise to better safety in the country due to government actions.
Background
The boost in tourism follows years of efforts to make El Salvador more attractive to travelers.
The government has invested in better infrastructure and facilities. New hotels and resorts are also popping up across the nation.
These developments show a departure from past challenges, like high crime rates and safety concerns.
The tourism industry is crucial for the Salvadoran economy. It creates jobs and brings in foreign exchange, which helps to stabilize the currency.
For a long time, El Salvador lagged behind its Central American neighbors in terms of tourist arrivals. But the tide seems to be turning now.
The government has rolled out new marketing campaigns to draw attention.
They are targeting not only North Americans but also Europeans and South Americans.
Efforts are also being made to highlight natural wonders like volcanoes, beaches, and forests.
These actions seem to be paying off, as the latest numbers indicate a promising uptick.