The recent ISA Longboard competition has not only brought together surf enthusiasts from over 39 nations but has also sparked a significant economic boom in the local economy of La Libertad, as stated by Mitur.
The tourism sector in La Libertad continues to see a rise in profits, thanks to the various surf competitions held on the country’s beaches.
Last Saturday, El Salvador kicked off the ISA Longboard Surf City El Salvador 2024 tournament, one of the many sporting events set to take place in the country this year, promising an economic windfall for the tourism sector, particularly in accommodation and dining establishments.
According to Tourism Minister Morena Valdez, the arrival of delegations from more than 39 countries has resulted in a 100% hotel occupancy rate along the beaches of La Libertad.
“We have full hotel occupancy throughout the area. We are completely booked. This creates a dynamic in the local economy. Additionally, for the first time, we have involved the entire local surfing community, which allows for job creation,” stated the official in a televised interview.
She also mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance various coastal areas to further promote the surf culture, thus continuing to drive sports tourism.
“We hope to see tourism development through surfing. We will announce more hotels and restaurants embracing this surf culture within tourism,” informed the Minister of Tourism.
She further noted ongoing partnerships with the private sector and multilateral organizations to develop various projects.
“We are working with the private sector and communities. We have formed alliances with electric car assembly companies and have made significant contacts with investors interested in investing in the La Libertad area,” she explained.
She also highlighted progress on various projects funded by a $160 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), earmarked for tourism infrastructure projects in the eastern region.