The Italian diplomat, Edoardo Pucci, has spoken about the security situation in El Salvador, noting the government’s recent efforts to improve safety in the country. Pucci emphasized that these new security conditions are a major incentive for the growth of Salvadoran tourism, highlighting the world-class waves for surfing as a key attraction.

During the signing of an agreement to strengthen female entrepreneurs in the Trifinio region, Pucci praised the country’s progress in the area of security: «This is a country that has made significant progress in security over the past few months.» He added that «I personally have changed my recommendations for Italian travelers. In recent weeks, Italy has objectively changed its travel warning, stating that El Salvador is a country with achievements in the security sector. This is important to emphasize.»

According to Pucci, security and tourism go hand in hand, and the results are visible in the increase in foreign tourists arriving in the country. El Salvador closed 2022 with 2.5 million visitors and is projected to reach 2.9 million in 2023.

Pucci also commended the work of the Ministry of Tourism and its head, Morena Valdez, for the country’s recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. «Tourism has been one of the sectors affected by the pandemic […] here in El Salvador, the work of the minister has been fundamental. The latest data we have seen shows that there is growth in foreign tourists. Italians are also arriving to enjoy the beaches and the best waves for surfing in the world,» he said.

For her part, Valdez recognized the impact that the country’s improved security situation has had on Salvadoran tourism. «Without these successes in the security policy implemented by President Nayib Bukele, it would have been impossible for tourism to have advanced as it has. We are having record numbers, mostly from the United States and Canada, but also, as the Italian ambassador said, a significant influx of tourists from Europe,» she noted.