Industry leaders, academics, and government officials gathered on Thursday for Turinnova 2026, an international congress dedicated to evaluating the technological trends and sustainable practices reshaping global travel. Hosted in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) and the Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador (UTEC), the summit highlighted how digital transformation and eco-conscious strategies are accelerating the nation’s economic momentum under the administration of President Nayib Bukele.
Opening the event, Tourism Minister Morena Valdez underscored tourism’s pivotal role as a primary engine for national economic expansion. She noted that international visitor arrivals have jumped from 2.6 million in 2019 to 4.1 million by year-end 2025, positioning El Salvador as the fastest-growing tourism destination in Latin America and the second fastest worldwide according to UN Tourism metrics. Building on this momentum, the country is officially projecting 4.2 million international visitors for 2026, having already welcomed 3.9 million by October.
Beyond impressive arrival metrics, the congress focused heavily on cultivating local talent to match rising global demand.Minister Valdez emphasized that tourism is increasingly becoming a career of choice for young Salvadorans, prompting state initiatives to train next-generation professionals in hospitality, digital tools, and sustainable resource management.UTEC Rector Nelson Zárate reinforced this vision, stating that “El Salvador has firmly consolidated itself on the global stage… yet this surge demands not only hospitality, but also vision, preparation, and, above all, a deep capacity for adaptation.”
By bridging academic preparation with technological innovation, El Salvador aims to secure long-term competitiveness while ensuring its tourism boom yields lasting socio-economic benefits. As peak travel months unfold in late 2026,Turinnova establishes a clear blueprint for leveraging emerging tech and sustainable frameworks to support the country’s historic sector growth.