During the first quarter of this year, El Salvador received 521,000 tourists who left income of more than $352.7 million, said the president of the Central Reserve Bank, Douglas Rodríguez, in a television interview.

That figure represents 165% more than the country received in the same period of 2021, when 197,000 tourists entered and spent $235.6 million.

“In 2021, 1.4 million tourists entered, and at the rate we are going, it is very likely that this year we will double that figure,” said the official.

Likewise, the president of the BCR assured that tourists who stay in the country for an average of eight days spend about $108 a day, mainly on lodging, consumption in restaurants, transportation, and tourist activities.

«Tourism becomes another source of additional income for the production of goods and services that a country has. The numbers confirm that the country is transforming, security gives it the attraction that tourists need,” said Rodríguez, who highlighted that the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, which takes place in El Salvador, has mobilized activity in this sector.

In this sense, he added that 96% of the hotel activity is focused on serving tourists, restaurant operations with 28%; air transport with 82%; travel agencies with 94%; and recreational centers with 79% of activity for attention to tourists.

In addition, he indicated that tourism stimulates the local economy and boosts the activity of small businesses, as well as stimulates public and private investment.

“In order to promote a country, it is important to have solid strategies and favorable conditions for tourism, here we must highlight the leadership of President Nayib Buekele,” the official stressed.