El Salvador has made impressive strides in global tourism, with the latest UN Tourism Barometer revealing the country’s remarkable recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The barometer, which includes data through January 2025, ranks El Salvador second globally and number one in the Western Hemisphere among the “Best Performing Destinations in 2024.”

The Central American nation’s international tourist arrivals saw a surge of more than 81% compared to 2019, surpassing many global competitors, and was only outpaced by Qatar, which saw a 137% increase. This growth places El Salvador ahead of other prominent destinations such as Albania (+80%), Saudi Arabia (+69%), and Curacao (+51%).

El Salvador’s performance is even more notable in terms of tourism income, where it holds second place globally and leads the Western Hemisphere with a staggering increase of 206%. Only Kuwait saw a higher boost at 232%. Saudi Arabia, Albania, and Serbia follow with increases of 148%, 136%, and 98%, respectively.

Additionally, El Salvador ranks fifth globally for outbound spending, with an increase of 125% compared to 2019, maintaining its position as the top performer in the Americas.

The government of President Nayib Bukele has been key in positioning the country for this success, consolidating what is now recognized as an “economic miracle” through strategic initiatives aimed at boosting tourism. This includes leveraging the country’s unique attractions and bolstering its international image.

As the global tourism industry recovers from the pandemic’s devastating effects, the UN Tourism Barometer indicates that international arrivals reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Looking ahead, the sector is expected to continue its growth, with a predicted increase of 3% to 5% in 2025, as economic conditions remain favorable and geopolitical tensions ease.

El Salvador’s stellar performance is a testament to the country’s resilience and the effectiveness of its tourism-focused initiatives, positioning it as a leader in global tourism recovery.