Tourism continues to drive El Salvador’s economic growth and attract both national and international investment. Recently, Federico Anliker, president of the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), confirmed that major international hotel chains are preparing to operate at the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport.
“We have already signed with a world-class hotel chain that will be inside the airport facilities. Soon we will announce the news with the investors, but yes, there will be a first-class hotel inside the airport,” Anliker said during a televised interview. He added that other hotel groups are also in talks to establish operations within and near the airport perimeter.
“Definitely, hotels are needed, and that is why we have spoken with investors so they can establish facilities within the airport and provide the comfort passengers currently require,” he explained.
According to Anliker, these investments are fueled by El Salvador’s tourism boom, which is growing at 16.3% annually, placing the country among the fastest-growing destinations worldwide. He noted that nearly 50,000 commercial flight operations have been registered at the airport this year, an 8.6% increase compared to 2024.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez also highlighted the sector’s rapid growth, reporting that between January and August 2025, El Salvador welcomed 2.7 million international visitors, including more than 333,000 during the August holidays alone. “We expect more than 4 million visitors by the end of the year, and most of this growth is by air. For tourism, having a good international airport is crucial because foreigners need a good impression and welcome upon arrival,” she said.
Official projections indicate that El Salvador will surpass 5.5 million visitors in 2025, strengthening its position as one of the region’s leading tourist destinations.