El Salvador exceeded its international tourism expectations during the 2025 August holiday season, welcoming 91,000 visitors between July 31 and August 7. The figure surpassed the projected goal of 90,000 and marked a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez highlighted that air arrivals played a key role in the growth, reaching 38,000 passengers compared to 34,000 last year — a 10% increase. “We have exceeded our tourism projections once again, reflecting the country’s growing appeal and improved connectivity,” Valdez stated.
The Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA) also reported a record in passenger volume, serving over 175,000 travelers during the holiday week, surpassing the initial forecast of 170,000. CEPA President Federico Anliker confirmed that commercial flight operations reached 1,530, exceeding expectations. More than 1,800 airport staff were deployed to ensure smooth operations for travelers.
Health and safety measures were also a priority. Health Minister Francisco Alabi reported that the national health system provided 123,377 medical services during the holiday period. Emergency response units, including land, air, and sea ambulances, were fully operational nationwide. Authorities recorded 67 successful water rescues, with no fatalities on public beaches.
Despite safety efforts, two drowning incidents occurred in private areas, and authorities responded to 25 fires, 358 traffic accidents, and multiple cases of dangerous driving. Notably, arrests for dangerous driving dropped by 20% compared to last year, reinforcing El Salvador’s zero-tolerance policy toward drunk driving.
With a combination of robust tourism performance, efficient transport operations, and strong safety measures, the August 2025 holidays further solidified El Salvador’s position as a leading tourism destination in Central America.