El Salvador received a historic 3.9 million international visitors in 2024, according to data confirmed by The Times and the Salvadoran Ministry of Tourism, marking the country’s strongest tourism performance in decades.

This record reflects a 45% increase from pre-pandemic levels and positions El Salvador among the top five fastest-growing tourism destinations globally. The boost is largely credited to unprecedented improvements in public security, modern tourism infrastructure, and international campaigns like Surf City.

With an increasingly favorable image abroad, El Salvador is attracting visitors interested in adventure tourism, surfing, archaeological heritage, and ecotourism. Tourism is now responsible for over 14% of the country’s GDP, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

The global press has begun to take note. As The Times describes it:

“This Central American country has transformed dramatically, with tourists walking its streets more confidently than ever.”

With new international routes and hotel investments on the horizon, El Salvador is solidifying its place as a rising destination in Latin America.

Source: The Times UK – “The Central American country you’ve wrongfully overlooked”