El Salvador is preparing for a major influx of tourists during the upcoming August holidays, with government projections estimating 2.6 million visits to public tourist sites nationwide. The announcement reflects the country’s growing appeal as a travel destination, driven by improvements in public safety, hospitality, cultural richness, and natural beauty.
According to Morena Valdez, Minister of Tourism, “For the August vacation period, we are expecting around 90,000 international visitors, which represents approximately $60 million in foreign exchange earnings.” She also noted that the Historic Center of San Salvador alone is expected to welcome 700,000 visitors.
Valdez highlighted that the Historic Center is now the second most visited destination by foreign tourists and the most frequented by locals. “We have organized all vacation activities for August on the website elsalvador.travel. It includes not only tourist destinations, but also the involvement of local stakeholders,” she stated. For SívarLand, an entertainment hub in the capital, 1.1 million visits are expected.
The platform elsalvador.travel has become a key tool for promoting national events, such as the upcoming Latido Festival at Plaza Gerardo Barrios in downtown San Salvador. It also provides details on tourist routes and recommendations for visitors.
Tourism in El Salvador continues to grow under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, with a strategy focused on transforming infrastructure, enhancing human capital, and empowering local entrepreneurs and communities. The government aims to ensure that tourism remains a catalyst for economic inclusion and sustainable development.