El Salvador’s tourism industry experienced a significant boost in 2024, with more than 12 million visitors flocking to the country’s national parks, cultural sites, and protected natural areas. This marks a 14% increase compared to 2023, driven by enhanced security measures and the government’s focus on making the country a safer and more attractive destination for both locals and international visitors.

Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, described 2024 as one of the sector’s best years, highlighting its positive impact on investment and job creation. In national tourism alone, 12 million people visited the country’s top tourist destinations, including 4.2 million who toured the seven parks managed by the Salvadoran Tourism Institute (ISTU). The Puerto de La Libertad Tourist Complex and El Boquerón National Park were also major draws, attracting 3.8 million visitors. Additionally, nearly 3.7 million people visited cultural and archaeological sites, while 220,000 ventured into protected natural areas.

Foreign tourism also saw a boost, with 3.9 million international visitors arriving in 2024. Of these, 3.2 million stayed overnight, contributing significantly to the local economy. The remaining 770,000 visitors were excursionists, a category that typically spends less. Minister Valdez emphasized the positive economic impact of the increase in overnight tourists, noting that their longer stays result in greater economic benefits for the tourism sector.

In terms of origin, 34% of international visitors came from Guatemala, while another 34% were from the United States. The remaining 32% included visitors from Honduras and other countries around the world.

This impressive growth in tourism underscores the success of the government’s security and tourism initiatives, positioning El Salvador as a top destination in the region.