El Salvador’s tourism sector continues to show strong growth in 2026, with international arrivals, tourism revenues, and connectivity expanding significantly compared with previous years.
Morena Valdez, head of the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador, reported that the country generated more than $2.1 billion in foreign-exchange earnings between January and June, representing growth of over 10% compared with the same period in 2025. The figure puts El Salvador on track toward its projected $3.6 billion in tourism-related foreign-exchange earnings for 2026.
International visitor arrivals have also reached historic levels. By July, approximately 2.9 million international tourists had visited El Salvador, marking a 24% increase from the same period in 2025 and 94% growth compared with 2019. Guatemala, the United States, and Honduras remain the country’s leading source markets.
Air connectivity is expected to further support this expansion. Iberojet is scheduled to begin inaugural flights connecting San Salvador with Madrid and Barcelona between September 14 and 16, while Air Europa is expected to establish connectivity with El Salvador by the end of the year.
Domestic tourism is growing as well. In August, the country surpassed its target of 2.8 million visits to public tourist, cultural, and natural sites, indicating that Salvadorans are increasingly exploring destinations within their own country.
With stronger international connectivity, rising visitor numbers, and increased domestic travel, El Salvador’s tourism sector is strengthening its position as a growing destination in Central America.