El Salvador and Guatemala are taking significant steps to boost cross-border tourism by strengthening their multi-destination offerings. In a recent meeting held on Saturday, officials from both countries discussed strategies to enhance tourism products, with a focus on private sector involvement.

Morena Valdez, El Salvador’s Minister of Tourism, emphasized that one of the primary goals is to develop tourism experiences that complement both countries. “We already have a natural connection with Surf City and Antigua Guatemala, but we are looking to further strengthen this bond,” Valdez said. She highlighted the growing number of Guatemalan visitors to El Salvador, noting that 2024 saw a significant increase in tourism, positioning El Salvador as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the region.

Guatemala’s Minister of Tourism, Harris Whitbeck, agreed on the potential of both countries as complementary destinations. «El Salvador and Guatemala work very well together as multi-destination options for visitors, combining beach experiences with Mayan culture,» he explained. Whitbeck stressed the importance of improving connectivity to facilitate easier travel between the two nations, especially for tourists coming from Europe and the United States.

According to Valdez, El Salvador has seen a 20% increase in visitors from Guatemala, with top destinations including the Ruta de Las Flores, the Historic Center, and the beaches of La Libertad. The goal now is to improve transportation infrastructure—both land and air—to make it easier for travelers to visit both countries in one trip.

The partnership between the two countries dates back to a 2006 agreement, but little progress was made until last year’s initial discussions in Guatemala. Now, both governments are committed to taking the next technical steps to advance their tourism collaboration.

With both nations working together, this initiative aims to create more seamless travel experiences, boosting tourism and economic growth for both El Salvador and Guatemala.