El Salvador has taken another major step in its ambitious development plan with the inauguration of Surf City 2, a project designed to boost tourism and economic growth in the eastern region. President Nayib Bukele officially unveiled the new 13-kilometer scenic highway, which includes a bike lane, modern lighting, and breathtaking viewpoints.
“This day, we are inaugurating this great project that will benefit the entire eastern zone of the country. Several tens of millions of dollars have been invested to build this beautiful 13-kilometer road with a bike lane, lighting, scenic viewpoints, and wonderful places to admire the beautiful nature that we have,” said President Bukele during the event.
Surf City 2 is not just a road; it serves as a key infrastructure project connecting several beaches, enhancing accessibility and fostering tourism development in the region. The government has been actively investing in the eastern part of the country, with a total of $1.42 billion allocated for various projects, including the Pacific Airport ($386.4 million), the expansion of La Unión Port ($400 million), and the Gerardo Barrios Peripheral Road ($160 million).
A crucial factor enabling these developments is the nation’s improved security situation. President Bukele emphasized that safety was the foundation for El Salvador’s transformation:
“Having the best beaches in the world would be meaningless if we didn’t have security. Who would visit our beaches if they feared being murdered, robbed, or extorted? No one. One of the main reasons our country never developed before was insecurity.”
El Salvador has now emerged as Central America’s top tourist destination, with a record-breaking 3.9 million visitors in 2024. The country’s surf scene has also gained global recognition, with Las Flores and Punta Mango being declared a World Surfing Reserve—one of only 13 in the world.
“Who would have thought years ago that El Salvador would be the country with the most tourists in Central America?” Bukele asked.
The improved infrastructure benefits not only tourists but also local communities. The Surf City 2 highway directly connects 11 beaches and multiple municipalities across San Miguel and Usulután. Residents now have safer and faster access to essential services, reducing travel time and improving overall quality of life.
“The communities along these 11 beaches will benefit not just from tourism but also from improved connectivity. Now, they can travel in their vehicles safely. If someone is sick, they can quickly reach medical attention without enduring long hours on dirt roads. The highway has 10 bus stops, quick and safe access points, proper lighting, and even a bike lane,” Bukele added.
The president also highlighted the synergy between Surf City 1 and Surf City 2. While the new project is being inaugurated, Surf City 1 is hosting the World Surf League event, attracting top surfers from Europe, Asia, the U.S., and Latin America.
“I’m sure Surf City 2 will be a great competitor to Surf City 1. And it’s great that instead of competing with other countries, we are competing among ourselves, bringing development to all corners of El Salvador,” he said.
With ongoing investments in infrastructure, tourism, and security, El Salvador continues to reshape its future, proving that development and progress are now a reality for the country.