As part of President Nayib Bukele’s ongoing commitment to inclusive development and cultural revitalization, 17 women from the indigenous communities of San Antonio del Monte and Cuisnahuat, Sonsonate, have been officially certified as local site guides. This milestone reflects a broader effort by the Salvadoran government to promote women’s empowerment and preserve cultural heritage through sustainable tourism.
The certification ceremony was made possible through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Tourism (@MITURElSalvador), Corsatur, and UN Women (@ONUMujeres), with additional support from the Ministry of Culture (@culturasv). The program offers specialized training in areas such as conflict management, first aid, and visitor engagement — tools necessary for guiding tourists with professionalism and care.
“At UN Women, we are extremely proud to be part of this story of transformation and empowerment,” said Lourdes González-Prieto, UN Women Representative. “This event is the result of a collaborative effort among committed institutions. Without the vision and support of MITUR, Corsatur, and the Ministry of Culture, this program would not have been possible.”
The newly accredited guides will now appear in the official Corsatur database and on the national tourism platform https://elsalvador.travel/esp/, giving them visibility to both domestic and international tourists. “You are strengthening your professional and personal skills,” emphasized Esteban Umaña, Director of Planning at Corsatur. “This not only improves your own quality of life, but also creates better opportunities for your families and future generations.”
One of the participants, Briseyda Yaneth Lisco de Nerio, from San Ramón canton in San Antonio del Monte, shared the sacrifices and pride involved in completing the training: “We have put aside our personal matters, our children and families, but it was worth it. This has been a great effort, but we can say it was achieved.”
Tourism in El Salvador is undergoing a profound transformation under the leadership of President Bukele. Initiatives like this are not only fostering local employment but are also revitalizing national identity by promoting indigenous culture and traditions through sustainable tourism.