El Salvador is setting its sights on food as a key element to boost tourism. According to the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), the gastronomic sector accounts for 36% of international visitorsโ spending in the country. Officials believe this figure can grow through strategies such as diversifying traditional and contemporary dishes.
In line with this vision, Mitur and the Salvadoran Tourism Corporation (Corsatur) have launched the project โProducto Turรญstico Gastronรณmico: El Salvador.โ The initiative aims to position Salvadoran cuisine as a strategic pillar in attracting both local and international travelers.
Speaking remotely during the launch event, Tourism Minister Morena Valdez highlighted the growing importance of culinary tourism. โWe are excited about strengthening this industry. Gastronomy is a trend in the tourism sector, and when people travel, they look for traditional dishes, as well as the culture and traditions behind them,โ she said.
Valdez also stressed the value of young culinary talents, many of whom are being trained through the GastroLab program. โItโs important to harness the creativity of the youth who are making their mark in the culinary world,โ she added.
Corsaturโs executive director, Alejandra Durรกn, shared that El Salvador is home to 3,994 tourism-related businesses, with a focus on food, lodging, and transportation. Most of these are located in San Salvador, La Libertad, San Miguel, Sonsonate, and Ahuachapรกn.
Durรกn emphasized the potential of food tourism to connect with local communities and develop rural areas. She also announced upcoming events to promote Salvadoran cuisine, including the Gastronomy World Cup in San Salvador and the Chocolate Festival in Tabasco, Mexico, scheduled for November 2025.