Surf City 2, a prominent project situated in the eastern zone of the nation, has moved forward, according to Morena Valdez, the Minister of Tourism. Valdez emphasized that this initiative will not only elevate public infrastructure but also create high-quality employment opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and simultaneously promote gender equity and environmental sustainability. The ambitious project is being carried out with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), facilitated through a loan amounting to $106 million.
Within this context, Valdez reiterated that Surf City 2 is a pivotal component of President Nayib Bukele’s strategic endeavors for the eastern region of the country, with implementation projected to commence next year.
“We are in the early stages and hope to announce the laying of the project’s foundation stones, along with launching specific human resource training programs by the end of this year. The complete execution is expected in 2024,” Valdez stated to “Diario El Salvador.”
The official detailed that the project is currently in the phase of designing terms of reference and technical folders for ecological boardwalks, showers, public sanitary facilities, wastewater treatment systems, as well as human resource development plans.
Valdez underscored that the IDB loan will be directed towards strategic investments in top-tier public tourism infrastructure in the eastern region.
“We are witnessing the growth of all projects in the eastern part of the country, especially along the coastline, while embracing our rich history and culture. That’s why we’re committed to fostering tourism development,” she added.
According to IDB data, the program is set to benefit over 960,000 individuals, encompassing sector employees and their families. “This credit will facilitate the growth of the tourism sector and the enhancement of the country’s destination sustainability,” Valdez asserted earlier.
On another note, the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) anticipates that the sector will generate over 300,000 jobs this year, spanning both direct and indirect employment, and achieve a growth rate ranging from 15% to 20% in comparison to the pre-pandemic era.