El Salvador continues to solidify its international reputation as a dynamic and secure destination for investment and tourism. Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, the country was recently highlighted as a model of transformation during a high-level webinar organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) titled “Investment in the Tourism Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
During the event, Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez presented El Salvador’s evolution as a global case study in tourism resurgence. She emphasized that the country’s progress is deeply rooted in President Bukele’s strategic focus on security, modernization, and innovation.
“El Salvador went from being one of the most unsafe countries in the world to the safest,” Minister Valdez stated. “This transformation is associated with President Bukele, a millennial and disruptive leader who has changed our international reputation.”
A key element in this transformation has been Surf City, a government initiative that capitalizes on El Salvador’s world-class Pacific waves to attract foreign visitors, investors, and global surf tourism. This project has positioned the country as a top-tier destination in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Valdez also shared promising economic indicators:
- Tourism now contributes 10% to the national GDP, doubling its impact since 2019.
- Over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs are generated by the sector.
- 3.9 million international visitors are expected in 2024 alone.
UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona praised the Salvadoran case and its regional importance, stating:
“There is an effort and interest in seeing where Latin America and the Caribbean are going. You can count on us. We will continue to build this agenda together.”
El Salvador’s tourism model has gained traction not only for its results but for its vision—connecting security, innovation, and private sector collaboration. The Bukele administration reiterates its commitment to positioning tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development across the country.