The Surf City initiative launched by President Nayib Bukele’s administration has become a crucial anchor for foreign investment in El Salvador, according to Tourism Minister Morena Valdez in a recent interview. Valdez explained that the Surf City project, which focuses on the country’s coastal areas, serves as the main attraction for many investors, becoming their initial point of contact with the nation. From there, interest spreads to other regions, helping to decentralize investments across the country.
“Confidence in El Salvador is growing thanks to security and legal conditions. Surf City is the anchor that enables investment not only in coastal areas but also in mountains, villages, historical sites, and lakes—offering a wide range of tourism destinations,” Valdez said.
She highlighted that 30% of international visitors head directly to Surf City 1 in La Libertad, driving economic activity and demonstrating significant potential for return on investment. Among the latest projects is “2Surf Sunzal,” a $3 million investment aimed at developing a short-term apartment rental circuit along the coastal-marine area. In addition, the Premium Restaurants of America group, which includes brands like Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and KFC, has invested $4.5 million in the El Encuentro Surf City Mall, creating over 300 jobs.
As of August 2024, El Salvador has welcomed 2.6 million international visitors, with expectations of reaching 4 million by year’s end. “We have been growing between 20% and 25% each month. We are projecting over $3.7 billion in revenue, which would be a record for the country, surpassing even Costa Rica,” Valdez noted.