In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, the Ministry of Tourism in El Salvador has unveiled ambitious plans to welcome a projected 313,000 international visitors, with over 50% arriving by air.
On Monday morning, government officials revealed the details of the 2023 Year-End Plan, outlining migration forecasts and key measures to be implemented throughout December. Federico Anliker, President of the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), emphasized that the plan, running from today until January 15, 2024, involves over 1,600 individuals from various collaborating institutions operating seamlessly at the airport.
Anliker highlighted the collaboration with 60 personnel from the National Public Security Academy (ANSP) and traffic management experts from the Ministry of Transportation (VMT). He explained, “We will increase security personnel at inspection points and deploy additional X-ray equipment to enhance the efficiency of outbound passenger flow.” The official also mentioned a surge in daily inspections to ensure the smooth operation of facilities in the passenger terminal, aeronautical zone, and land zone.
Furthermore, Anliker assured the public of a well-equipped Salvage and Firefighting team comprising 68 aeronautical firefighters, 4 firefighting trucks, 3 ambulances, and medical personnel, prepared for any emergency.
Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez shared optimism about the holiday season, anticipating more than 313,000 international visitors, with over 50% choosing air travel. She added, “National parks also expect a high influx, surpassing one million visitors.” Valdez revealed that, according to the World Tourism Organization, El Salvador has experienced remarkable growth in the sector, recording a 32% increase as of October this year, ranking fourth globally behind Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Albania and securing the top spot in Latin America.
Ricardo Cucalón, Director General of Migration and Foreigners, provided recent statistics, stating that during the Miss Universe competition from November 1 to 19, El Salvador witnessed a substantial 18% increase in entries compared to 2022, totaling 354,785. He noted another spike during the San Miguel Carnival from November 23 to 26, with a 20% rise in visitors, reaching 81,993.
Viceminister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Portal expressed her pride in welcoming visitors to a transforming country, citing the modern infrastructure, particularly the international airport, as the first impression for incoming guests.
As El Salvador gears up for a record-breaking holiday season, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience for all visitors.