International tourism generated more than $3.6 billion in revenue for El Salvador’s economy in 2025, according to Tourism Minister Morena Valdez, confirming one of the strongest performances the sector has ever recorded. The figure represents an increase compared to 2024 and highlights the country’s continued recovery and expansion as a regional tourism destination.
Speaking during the announcement of an international cycling event, Valdez stated that El Salvador welcomed 4.1 million international visitors by December 2025, generating over $3.6 billion in foreign currency inflows. “We were informed in December 2025 that we had received 4.1 million international visitors, equivalent to more than $3.6 billion in foreign exchange income, a 7% increase compared to 2024,” she said. Official records indicate that tourism revenue in 2024 closed at approximately $3.41 billion.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the 2025 results place the sector among its highest historical levels, comparable to 2023, when international tourism generated $3.664 billion. While the year-over-year increase is estimated at around 5.5% when comparing 2024 and 2025 figures, authorities note that past data may still be subject to adjustments.
Looking ahead to 2026, the government projects reaching 4.2 million international visitors and is revising revenue forecasts upward. Valdez emphasized that sports, cultural, and entertainment events are playing a key role in this growth, including the national cycling tour scheduled for January 15–31, international golf tournaments, the Ilopango Air Show, the Ironman competition, and major music residencies. The government maintains that participants and visitors to these events become informal ambassadors for El Salvador, promoting the country abroad through personal recommendations.