El Salvador continues to boost opportunities for growth in tourism, gastronomy, and sustainable development under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele. This week, a delegation from Peru’s Centro de Formación en Turismo (Cenfotur) arrived in the country to participate in a cultural and culinary exchange with Salvadoran institutions.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez welcomed the delegation, highlighting the initiative’s importance. “It is a pleasure for us to receive them at the Ministry of Tourism and open this session, which marks the final activity in the project to strengthen the Gastro-Lab Surf City through exchanges between El Salvador and Peru,” she said.
The project began last year with online classes for Salvadoran youth, followed by a group from Gastro-Lab traveling to Peru to learn firsthand about its cuisine. Now, the experience comes full circle with the Peruvian delegation’s visit. “Cenfotur has always supported El Salvador. Peru has been a strong ally, and this exchange helps strengthen gastronomy, fosters the participation of women and young people, and generates employability,” added Karla de Palma, director general of the Agency for International Cooperation of the Foreign Ministry.
Graciela Seminario, national head of Cenfotur, explained the institution’s role and emphasized that such cultural exchanges bring mutual benefits for both nations. Chef Rony Chévez of Cenfotur agreed, stating, “This is a cultural exchange because we all learn. It has been very enriching. El Salvador receives many tourists, and Gastro-Lab prepares young people to provide the best service.”
Through this collaboration, El Salvador seeks to elevate its gastronomy to international standards, reinforcing its image as a rising destination for global tourism.