The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) has reported that 70 percent of international visitors arriving through El Salvador International Airport in San Luis Talpa, La Paz, head directly to the Surf City coastal corridor. “According to the latest statistics, 70 percent of tourists landing at the airport come to Surf City. Of these, around 50 percent are from our diaspora, who specifically seek this destination,” said Tourism Minister Morena Valdez.
Her remarks were shared during the inauguration of a new Pollo Campero restaurant at San Marino Plaza in La Libertad Costa. The $2 million investment created a space for 130 guests. “This is an area of strong tourism, development, investment, and economic growth. With this branch we are generating 50 new jobs,” stated Eduardo Ramos, Senior Operations Manager at Pollo Campero.
The government highlighted that the popular restaurant chain remains a favorite among Salvadorans abroad, often carried back as part of their luggage when traveling overseas.
A study by Mónica Herrera School found that 90.1 percent of Salvadorans returning from the United States visit the beaches, while 50.8 percent prefer the mountains. By the end of 2024, half of international tourists entered the country by air, with El Salvador International Airport serving as a key hub connecting North and South America, as well as Europe.
The United States accounted for 39 percent of international arrivals, mostly Salvadorans, followed by Guatemala at 26 percent and Honduras at 16 percent, according to the 2024 tourism report by Corsatur.