The Government of President Nayib Bukele has presented the results of the project to strengthen Tourism Development Committees (CDT) in the eastern region, aimed at boosting local tourism and governance.
“The eastern zone is key for our diaspora, many of whom are investing or have family interested in doing so,” said Tourism Minister Morena Valdez. She shared that El Salvador received 3.9 million visitors in 2024, including 2.5 million tourists—“1.5 million came to the east,” she noted.
The initiative, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank, included a 12-month training process. “This has prepared local leaders to manage tourism growth effectively,” Valdez added.
Currently, 22 of the country’s 59 CDTs are in the eastern region. “Execution of the plans will bring these communities to life,” said ISTU President Eny Aguinada.
Vice Minister Cindy Portal highlighted that since 2022, the diaspora has invested $64 million—“$12 million of that in the east,” she said.