The General Directorate of Migration and Immigration (DGME) announced a significant influx of international travelers to El Salvador, with over 2.7 million visitors arriving through the country’s borders by September 3, 2024. The surge in arrivals is attributed to a variety of reasons including tourism, business, studies, and work.

Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez highlighted that the tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with a 25% increase in monthly activity compared to 2023. This positive trend positions El Salvador to potentially exceed its target of 3.8 million international visitors by the end of 2024.

The impact of this growth extends beyond tourism, significantly influencing the national economy. Tourism’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has surged from 6.39% in 2019 to an estimated 14% by the end of this year.

Notably, the August 2024 holiday season saw a substantial movement of 313,431 travelers entering and leaving the country. Among these, 82,810 Salvadorans living abroad, predominantly in the United States, returned to El Salvador to partake in the August festivities, accounting for 54% of the total border entries.

The El Salvador International Airport, the country’s primary air gateway, recorded 91,173 arrivals and departures during the holiday period. José Vega, a Guatemalan expatriate who recently visited the country, praised the quality of service, stating, “We came to visit El Salvador and we have realized that the service is excellent; a 100% government, it is a place to return to. I call on fellow countrymen residing in the United States to come to El Salvador.”

This influx of visitors underscores El Salvador’s growing appeal as a destination and its strengthening role in the regional and global economy.