Tourism Minister Morena Valdez provided an upbeat overview of El Salvador’s tourism performance for the year, highlighting significant milestones and positive indicators. As of November, the country has welcomed a staggering 3 million visitors, translating into an impressive $3.4 billion in foreign exchange earnings. Minister Valdez expressed her satisfaction with these figures, signaling a prosperous year for the tourism sector.
One major development on the horizon is the completion of the new pier at the Port of La Libertad. Minister Valdez shared that the project is nearing its conclusion and revealed plans for a restaurant within the pier, adding an enticing dimension to the tourist experience.
The eastern region of the country is also set to receive a boost with the imminent execution of the $106 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This financial injection aims to enhance tourism infrastructure in the area, positioning it as a key attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
During the interview, Minister Valdez emphasized the government’s commitment to continuous improvement, not only in physical infrastructure but also in the development of human resources. “We want to undertake more infrastructure projects in our tourist destinations and provide specialized training for our workforce,” she stated.
Addressing accessibility, Valdez assured that the iconic Puerta del Diablo is now open to the public, with transportation available from Balboa Park. This move aims to facilitate easy access for tourists and locals alike to this popular site.
Furthermore, El Salvador has been playing host to numerous regional and global events, establishing itself as a hub for international gatherings. Minister Valdez stressed the need to further strengthen the country’s human capital and productive capabilities to sustain this momentum.
In a noteworthy revelation, Minister Valdez shared that from January 1 to December 3, 2023, the International Airport of El Salvador attended to approximately 4.2 million passengers. This marks a remarkable 31% increase in passenger flow, including arrivals, departures, and connections, compared to the previous year.
As the year draws to a close, El Salvador’s tourism sector remains vibrant, setting the stage for continued growth and development in the coming years. Minister Valdez’s strategic vision and commitment to bolstering both infrastructure and human capital bode well for the nation’s standing in the global tourism arena.