El Salvador has announced a new financial initiative aimed at strengthening small tourism-related businesses operating in the Historic Center of San Salvador, a district that has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s top attractions. The program reflects the government’s broader strategy to drive economic development by supporting micro and small enterprises, particularly in areas benefiting from increased international and local tourism.
The credit line, launched on March 20, will be administered through Bandesal and is designed to provide accessible financing tailored to the needs of small business owners. Officials say the initiative seeks to remove long-standing barriers that have limited access to credit for entrepreneurs in the tourism sector, enabling them to expand operations and improve services.
The announcement was made during an event at Biblioteca Nacional de El Salvador, where government representatives highlighted the importance of small businesses in job creation and local economic growth. Adriana Larín, director of the Historic Center Authority, emphasized the broader social impact of the program, stating, “Our goal is for these small entrepreneurs to achieve better development and improve their socioeconomic conditions.”
Tourism authorities also underscored the significance of the Historic Center’s recent growth. The area welcomed approximately 2.8 million visitors in December alone, while more than 500,000 people visited during the 2025 Easter holiday period, known as Semana Santa. These figures highlight the district’s transformation into a key destination, driven by urban renewal efforts and increased public safety.
Morena Valdez, El Salvador’s Minister of Tourism, noted that the initiative represents a shift in how the government approaches the sector. “We are changing paradigms to better serve tourism, a sector that has historically faced challenges in accessing financing,” she said, adding that the loans are structured to meet the specific needs of micro and small enterprises.