San Salvador’s Historic Center has experienced a remarkable surge in tourism, with an 81% increase in foreign visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year. This milestone was confirmed by Adriana Larín, General Director of the Historic Center Authority, during an interview on YSKL radio’s Punto de Vista program.
“We went from receiving 1.4 million foreign visitors to an 81% increase in just one year. This is a major milestone, supported by the many activities taking place in the area,” Larín stated.
She attributed this growth to the collaborative efforts of various national institutions, emphasizing that a unified approach has created synergy and efficiency in promoting the Historic Center as a key tourist destination.
However, Larín also acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly regarding infrastructure projects in the area. “A key challenge is maintaining a continuous cultural and artistic agenda. The revitalization work in certain streets and avenues, coordinated with the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and the Directorate of Municipal Works (DOM), causes traffic congestion. Still, we are working with the Vice Ministry of Transportation (VMT) to create alternative routes and improve traffic flow,” she explained.
The economic impact of this tourism boom has been significant. According to Larín, the Historic Center generated $136 million in 2024, largely due to private investments in restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops.
Additionally, the Historic Center Authority processed 450 projects through its one-stop service window, with 80 advancing to the execution phase. January 2025 alone saw $3 million in investments, making it a particularly busy month with over 1,000 user requests handled.
As San Salvador’s Historic Center continues to grow as a major tourist and economic hub, authorities remain committed to enhancing visitor experience while managing urban development challenges.