El Sunzal beach in La Libertad has once again cemented its status as a global surf haven, welcoming elite athletes from 37 nations for the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Longboard Championship. World-class contenders are putting on a display of technique and experience on the country’s famous right-hand point break, while local and international delegations cheer them on through the intense rounds of competition.
Beyond the thrill of the waves, the championship is fueling a major economic surge across the nation’s coastlines. Tourism Minister Morena Valdez revealed that hotel occupancy in the area has hit 100%, driven by the influx of athletes, event staff, and surf enthusiasts. To further engage the public, the government has integrated free parallel activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere that directly benefits local businesses, from accommodations to dining and transportation.
El Salvador’s strategic push into sports tourism is delivering historic results, putting the country on track to welcome 4.2 million international visitors by late 2026 after already surpassing 3.5 million arrivals this past September. Enhanced highway connectivity and modernized tourism infrastructure under President Nayib Bukele’s administration have made accessing these coastal destinations seamless for global travelers looking to invest, visit, or ride the waves.
The momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as the expansion into Surf City 2 promises to unlock economic opportunities across the eastern region. As Surf City Director Alejo Campos highlighted, El Sunzal remains the most sought-after beach for visiting surfers due to its consistent swell and warm tropical waters, proving that El Salvador has evolved from a hidden gem into an undisputed capital of international surfing.