El Salvador is witnessing a significant boost in investment, driven by a burgeoning tourism sector and a surge in international visitors. According to the Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, more than $1 billion is being invested across key development hubs in the capital, San Salvador, and surrounding districts.

The Historic Center of San Salvador, Zona Rosa, and Surf City in La Libertad are among the primary areas benefiting from this investment boom. As of July, the country welcomed over 2.3 million international visitors, who contributed a record $2.223 billion in foreign currency. This influx of tourists reflects the confidence in President Nayib Bukele’s government, particularly in improvements to security, which has fostered a more attractive environment for both tourists and investors.

“The private sector has begun to invest in tourist areas due to the conditions created by President Bukele’s government,” Valdez noted. “Our challenge now is to attract new investments from experienced investors.”

In the Historic Center of San Salvador alone, more than 65 projects are underway, totaling over $65 million in investments. These projects, including accommodations, restaurants, and cafes, are expected to begin operations this year. During the August holidays, the area attracted 650,000 visitors, demonstrating its growing appeal.

Additionally, high-value areas such as Zona Rosa, San Benito, Escalón, San Francisco, and parts of Antiguo Cuscatlán, Nuevo Cuscatlán, and Santa Tecla are seeing substantial development. Over 40 construction projects in these districts are valued at more than $1 billion, highlighting the scale of investment in the metropolitan area.

Other regions, including Surf City and various eastern points of the country, are also being developed as vital hubs for local economic growth. The government is actively working with entrepreneurs across the tourism sector—ranging from restaurants and hotels to tour operators and travel agencies—to streamline information and facilitate investment.

Valdez also mentioned the government’s efforts to create public tourism infrastructure, citing the $106 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as a significant step in this direction.

El Salvador’s robust investment in tourism infrastructure underscores its commitment to leveraging the sector’s growth to drive broader economic development and enhance its global appeal.