The Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, has praised the efforts of President Nayib Bukele in transforming El Salvador’s tourism sector. Pololikashvili’s remarks were made during the 69th Regional Commission meeting of UNWTO held in Cuba, where he commended Bukele for his significant impact on the country’s tourism industry and congratulated him on his re-election.
“President Bukele has changed the lives of many families through tourism. It is a great example, not only for America but for any country in the world, showing how tourism can transform people’s lives and families,” Pololikashvili stated. He emphasized the global influence of Bukele’s administration and its success in overcoming challenges faced by El Salvador.
Pololikashvili’s comments align with the latest UNWTO report, which highlighted El Salvador as the leading country in the Americas for international tourist arrivals, boasting a 40% increase from January to December 2023 compared to 2019. This growth positioned El Salvador as the fourth fastest-growing tourism destination worldwide, following Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Albania.
The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) of El Salvador reported a record 3.4 million international tourists in 2023, generating $3.793 billion in revenue. Domestically, 10 million people visited various public attractions and numerous private destinations.
The upward trend continues in 2024, with Mitur registering 1.3 million foreign visitors by April. This ongoing growth underscores the success of President Bukele’s initiatives in making El Salvador a notable player in the global tourism market.