San Salvador’s Historic Center is preparing to become a smart tourism destination by 2026, according to Adriana Larín, director of the Historic Center Planning Authority (Aplan). The initiative follows years of recovery and revitalization across an 80-block area and marks a new phase focused on integrated urban development.
Larín said 2026 will represent a turning point in urban planning, with the Special Territorial Planning Plan expected in early 2026 and a roadmap toward smart tourism already underway. “2026 is going to mark a before and after in urban planning and regulations,” she stated in an interview.
She explained that a smart tourism destination goes beyond technology, emphasizing governance, sustainability, accessibility, and data-driven decision-making. “It’s about improving quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” Larín noted.
Projects already in progress include air quality monitoring in partnership with the Technological University of El Salvador, as part of efforts to repopulate the Historic Center. International cooperation with Spain, including Segittur and Aecid, will support the optimization of public spaces under a model aligned with UN Tourism standards.
Aplan is also promoting sustainable tourism services through the Distintivo Solidario, aimed at strengthening hotels, restaurants, and cafés while encouraging socially responsible practices in San Salvador’s Historic Center.