El Salvador has been recognized on the global tourism stage with two prestigious nominations in the 2025 Wanderlust Travel Awards, presented by the renowned UK travel magazine Wanderlust. The Central American nation is competing in the category of Best Emerging Destination, while its capital, San Salvador, has been nominated as the Most Desirable City in the World.
According to Wanderlust, winners will be selected through public voting on the official platform wanderlusttravelawards.com, with polls open until October 17, 2025. The publication anticipates more than 200,000 votes from international travelers in this 24th edition of the awards, which celebrate excellence in global tourism, culture, nature, gastronomy, sustainability, and adventure.
This recognition adds to El Salvador’s growing international appeal. Earlier this year, Wanderlust named the country “one of Central America’s hidden gems” and included it among the top 10 travel destinations of the year, highlighting its pristine beaches, world-class surfing, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
The magazine also praised El Salvador’s colonial towns, such as Suchitoto in the Cuscatlán department, for their historical charm and cultural significance. Additionally, it recommended outdoor activities like hiking the Santa Ana Volcano and enjoying the Pacific coastline in La Libertad, known for its surf-friendly beaches.
Importantly, Wanderlust spotlighted El Salvador’s ongoing social transformation, noting a renewed sense of security, a vibrant nightlife, and the growing popularity of ecotourism throughout the country. “El Salvador offers a rich cultural experience, a vibrant nightlife, and a growing ecotourism scene,” the magazine emphasized.
These nominations further position El Salvador as an emerging leader in global travel, attracting attention for both its natural beauty and its progress in tourism infrastructure and public safety.