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El Salvador Engages in Multinational Effort to Oversee Gaza Peace Plan.
El Salvador has joined a multinational initiative aimed at overseeing the implementation of a peace plan in Gaza, marking a new step in the country’s expanding diplomatic presence on the global stage. Salvadoran Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill represented the nation at the inaugural meeting of the Peace Board convened in Washington, D.C., under the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The high-level gathering took place at the United States Institute of Peace and brought together world leaders and founding members of the newly established board. The initiative was initially conceived to supervise efforts tied to a post-conflict peace framework in Gaza following the war between Israel and Hamas. Its mandate has since expanded to consider broader international conflict scenarios.
In a statement, the Embassy of the United States in El Salvador highlighted the country’s participation, noting that “We are pleased with El Salvador’s presence at the first session of the Peace Board. Countries from around the world are united in the will to bring peace to the Gaza region. El Salvador was represented this morning by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.” The message underscored growing diplomatic coordination between San Salvador and Washington.
Also present at the meeting was Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, who voiced his country’s readiness to collaborate. “Paraguay is prepared to cooperate. Today it is Gaza, tomorrow it will be another conflict in the world, but we need to resolve each of these conflicts and I truly appreciate the leadership that has been taken,” he stated during the session.
For U.S. observers, El Salvador’s participation reflects the Central American nation’s willingness to engage in complex global issues beyond its region. By taking part in a U.S.-backed multinational mechanism focused on peace oversight, El Salvador positions itself as an active diplomatic partner in international stabilization efforts.
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Google CEO Sundar Pichai Highlights El Salvador as AI Healthcare Pioneer in Latin America.
El Salvador is gaining international attention after Google CEO Sundar Pichai pointed to the country as a leading example of how artificial intelligence can transform public healthcare. In remarks shared publicly on social media, Pichai underscored Google’s partnership with the Salvadoran government to expand access to affordable, AI-powered medical services.
Speaking about the broader potential of artificial intelligence, Pichai described AI as a “true ally” to the scientific method, capable of supporting everything from disease classification to the creation of intelligent agents. “We must be equally bold in addressing problems in regions that have lacked access to technology,” he said, highlighting the need to close global innovation gaps.
As part of that vision, Google has collaborated with El Salvador to provide AI-based diagnostic and treatment tools to thousands of people who previously could not afford medical consultations. “Take El Salvador, where Google has partnered with the government to deliver affordable AI-based diagnosis and treatment to thousands who could never afford a medical visit,” Pichai noted.
A key component of the initiative is the DoctorSV application, launched in November 2025 with Google’s technical support. According to Guy Nae, Google Cloud’s director for the public sector in Latin America, the platform is designed to assist physicians in making diagnoses with effectiveness rates above 90 percent. The app forms part of a broader strategy to digitize and modernize public services across the country.
The healthcare partnership aligns with El Salvador’s Digital State Modernization Law, approved in 2023, which authorizes public institutions to establish agreements with Google valued at up to $500 million. Stacy Herbert, director of the National Bitcoin Office, interpreted Pichai’s remarks as confirmation that “El Salvador is pioneering global AI implementation.” She added that the country is determined to move forward aggressively in technological innovation rather than relying on outdated systems.
President Nayib Bukele also weighed in on the discussion through X, reinforcing the government’s long-term ambitions for the sector. “True. But that was only the first step. We are actually building the best public healthcare system in the world,” Bukele wrote, signaling that the AI partnership with Google is part of a broader national strategy to overhaul and elevate El Salvador’s public health infrastructure.
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El Salvador Reduces Household Costs Through Free Uniforms and Supplies for Public School Students.
Salvador is expanding its nationwide school package program for 2026, delivering free uniforms, shoes, and essential supplies to more than 1.2 million students enrolled in the public education system. The initiative, led under President Nayib Bukele, is designed not only to strengthen academic conditions but also to ease the financial burden on families across the country.
With household budgets often strained by back-to-school expenses, the distribution of school packages has become a significant source of relief. By covering costs that typically fall on parents, the program allows families to redirect limited resources toward food, healthcare, and other essential needs, while ensuring children begin the academic year fully equipped.
Recent deliveries reached schools such as Centro Escolar Colonia San Genaro in Sonsonate and Centro Escolar Cantón El Carmen in San Pedro Masahuat, La Paz Oeste. Hundreds of students received their materials for the 2026 school year, reinforcing the government’s strategy to combine educational reform with direct social support at the community level.
For many families, the impact is deeply personal. Paola Martínez, a student with a disability at Centro Escolar Cantón El Carmen, received her school package alongside her mother, Vanesa Martínez. “Muy agradecida y bendecida, porque el Presidente Bukele ha tenido este lindo gesto con los niños y con su educación. Muchísimas gracias; Dios le multiplicará las bendiciones que usted envía para cada niño y su formación,” her mother said, describing the assistance as a meaningful boost to her daughter’s educational journey.
Officials say the initiative reflects a broader transformation of El Salvador’s public education system, prioritizing equity, access, and student wellbeing. As the 2026 academic year unfolds, the continued investment underscores the government’s commitment to building long-term opportunity while delivering immediate economic relief to Salvadoran households.
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El Salvador to Install GPS and Security Cameras on Public Buses Nationwide.
El Salvador is moving forward with a nationwide plan to install GPS tracking systems and security cameras on public buses, marking a new phase in the country’s transportation modernization efforts. The initiative is part of a broader security strategy designed to ensure that safety improvements remain sustainable over time while improving service quality for daily commuters.
During an interview on Punto de Vista with Radio YSKL, Vice Minister of Transportation Nelson Reyes confirmed that the project has already been awarded and preparations are underway to begin installing the equipment. “The project has already been awarded and preparations have started to install video surveillance equipment in different public transportation units. This will be of great help to public security forces,” Reyes said.
For the first time, authorities will have full access to real-time surveillance data from buses operating across the country. While some private operators have previously used similar devices, the new system will centralize information under government monitoring. GPS technology will allow officials to verify actual routes, confirm whether buses are operating as scheduled, and strengthen overall oversight of the public transportation network.
According to transportation authorities, the first cameras are expected to be installed in July, beginning in the San Salvador Metropolitan Area before expanding nationwide. The Transportation and Emergency Monitoring Center will oversee the system, integrating it with traffic light operations across more than 300 intersections in the capital to improve traffic flow and emergency response coordination.
The government of President Nayib Bukele continues to position transportation reform as a pillar of its public safety and modernization agenda. Officials say collaboration with private sector bus operators will be key to ensuring that Salvadoran families benefit from safer, more reliable public transportation services.
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DoctorSV Expansion: El Salvador Secures $75 Million to Boost Telehealth for 4.5 Million Citizens.
El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly of El Salvador has approved a $75 million loan from Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) to expand the country’s telemedicine program, DoctorSV, and deploy 400 automated medicine dispensing kiosks nationwide. Lawmakers say the initiative will strengthen digital healthcare access for an estimated 4.5 million Salvadorans and significantly increase the system’s capacity for remote consultations.
The expansion is designed to allow up to 30,000 virtual medical consultations per day while modernizing health service delivery and training personnel in digital systems. Supporters argue the program will help reduce overcrowding in public clinics and hospitals, particularly benefiting rural and underserved communities where access to specialists and prescription medicines can be limited.
Dania González, a legislator from Nuevas Ideas, described the project as a transformative step for public healthcare. “It is a major step in showing how technology can improve public services,” she said, emphasizing that medical facilities across the country are expected to see reduced congestion as telemedicine services expand.
Not all lawmakers were convinced. Claudia Ortiz of Vamos voted against the loan, questioning transparency and oversight in the management of contracts and outsourced services. “We are not attacking progress; we are asking questions. What guarantees are there?” she said, arguing that clearer accountability mechanisms are needed before approving additional borrowing.
Meanwhile, Francisco Lira of ARENA proposed reallocating $20 million of the funds directly to the Ministry of Health to address supply shortages, but the motion failed to gain support. The newly approved financing follows a previous $77 million CAF loan granted in 2023 to launch DoctorSV, with both loans set to be repaid over 18 years, underscoring El Salvador’s continued investment in digital transformation within its public healthcare system.
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Security and Modern Highways Give El Salvador Tourism Edge in Central America.
El Salvador is reinforcing its position as one of Central America’s most competitive tourism destinations, driven by modern infrastructure, strengthened security measures and the use of the U.S. dollar. Tourism officials say these factors are setting the country apart from its regional neighbors and making it increasingly attractive to international visitors, including travelers from the United States.
Alejandra Durán, director of the Salvadoran Tourism Corporation (Corsatur), stated that while El Salvador maintains complementary tourism ties with Guatemala and Honduras, it leads the region in key areas. “With Guatemala and Honduras, we are complementary right now, but in infrastructure we must be clear — El Salvador is superior. In road infrastructure and in security, there is no comparison,” Durán said during a televised interview.
According to Corsatur, more than 3.4 million international tourists visited El Salvador in 2025. When same-day excursionists are included, the total reaches 4.1 million visitors. Guatemalan and Honduran travelers make up a significant share of arrivals, underscoring the strong flow of regional tourism across borders.
Durán also highlighted dollarization as a strategic advantage. “A difference that will be vital for us — aside from security and our modern infrastructure — is that dollars are used here. For visitors, it feels different. They are not going to the United States, but they are coming to a place where they can spend dollars,” she explained, noting that currency familiarity simplifies transactions for many international travelers.
Outbound tourism has grown as well, with more than 2.5 million Salvadorans traveling abroad for leisure in 2025, a 4.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Officials view this growth in both inbound and outbound travel as a sign of expanding economic activity and deeper regional integration, further positioning El Salvador as a dynamic player in Central American tourism.
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Tourism in El Salvador Continues to Rise in 2026 Compared to Same Period in 2025.
Tourism in El Salvador continues its upward trajectory in 2026, with new data showing sustained growth compared to the same period last year. Figures released by the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA) indicate that the country’s main international airport served 735,582 passengers between January 1 and February 15, representing a 7 percent increase over the 686,398 travelers recorded during the same timeframe in 2025.
The rise in passenger traffic reflects stronger tourism flows and increased international visibility for the country. Officials attribute the growth to a combination of expanding travel demand and high-profile international events hosted in the early weeks of the year, drawing visitors from the United States and beyond.
CEPA President Federico Anliker highlighted the significance of the numbers. “2026 begins with positive figures that reflect the moment El Salvador is experiencing. The 7 percent increase in passengers is linked to tourism dynamism and international events that have placed the country at the center of attention. From the airport, we are committed to providing a modern, agile, and high-quality experience to every visitor,” he told Diario El Salvador.
In addition to the growth in passengers, flight operations also rose. During the first six weeks of 2026, 6,366 passenger flights were registered, a 3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. The data reinforces El Salvador’s position as an increasingly attractive destination in Central America.
For U.S. readers tracking travel and investment trends, the continued expansion of tourism underscores El Salvador’s growing connectivity and strengthening international profile.
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Over 735,000 Travelers Pass Through El Salvador International Airport in First Weeks of 2026.
El Salvador’s main air gateway began 2026 with solid growth, reflecting rising international interest in the country. According to the Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA), the El Salvador International Airport handled 735,582 arriving, departing, and connecting passengers between January 1 and February 15, marking a 7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The growth builds on momentum seen throughout 2025 and signals continued expansion in tourism and business travel. During the same timeframe in 2025, the airport served 686,398 passengers, underscoring the scale of the year-over-year increase.
CEPA President Federico Anliker attributed the surge to the country’s expanding tourism sector and the hosting of international events that have drawn visitors from the United States and other global markets. “2026 begins with positive figures that reflect the moment El Salvador is experiencing. The 7 percent increase in passengers is linked to tourism dynamism and the international events that have placed the country at the center of attention. From the airport, we are committed to providing a modern, agile, and high-quality experience to every visitor,” Anliker told Diario El Salvador.
In addition to higher passenger traffic, airport operations have also increased. CEPA reported 6,366 passenger flight operations during the first six weeks of the year, up 3 percent from the 6,168 recorded during the same period in 2025.
For U.S. travelers and investors monitoring regional trends, the figures highlight El Salvador’s growing connectivity and its efforts to position itself as a competitive destination in Central America.
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El Salvador Projects $110 Million in Revenue After Hosting Shakira.
El Salvador’s Ministry of Tourism projects that the recent visit of Colombian superstar Shakira could generate up to $110 million in positive economic impact, following five large-scale concerts at the Estadio Nacional Jorge “Mágico” González in San Salvador.
The performances, part of her global “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” tour, drew a combined audience of approximately 144,000 people. Officials highlighted the significant international turnout, reporting that more than 70,000 foreign visitors traveled to El Salvador for the shows, surpassing initial estimates.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez described the concerts as a historic moment for the country’s visitor industry. “We have never seen this level of tourism in our establishments. More than 70,000 foreigners arrived — we had projected around 68,000. They came not only for the concert, but to experience the country,” she said during a televised interview.
The influx of visitors pushed hotel occupancy in the San Salvador metropolitan area to 100 percent, including traditional hotels and short-term rental properties. Coastal and beach destinations also reported strong demand, with occupancy rates reaching as high as 80 percent, reflecting the broader geographic spread of tourism activity beyond the capital.
Restaurants in the capital experienced full reservations throughout the concert dates, while beach and coastal dining establishments reported occupancy levels between 60 and 80 percent. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the projected $110 million impact accounts for spending before, during, and after the concerts, including visitor expenditures, local consumption, event logistics, service contracts, and broader economic spillover across multiple sectors.
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Honduras Apologizes to Nayib Bukele After Security Minister’s Comments.
The Honduran government issued a public apology to El Salvador after controversial remarks by its Security Minister sparked diplomatic tension between the two Central American nations.
José Augusto Argueta, Honduras’ Communications Secretary, addressed the issue during a live television appearance, clarifying that statements made by Security Minister Gerson Velásquez regarding El Salvador’s security strategy did not represent official state policy. Velásquez had suggested that the measures implemented in El Salvador to combat gang violence could violate human rights standards.
During the broadcast, Argueta sought to lower tensions and emphasized respect between neighboring countries. “A declaration by a public official does not constitute state policy,” he said. “If a statement was taken the wrong way, we apologize.” He added that each country has the sovereign right to determine its own approach to public security.
Argueta also stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing transnational threats. “Insecurity is transnational. Our peoples suffer. Latin America suffers from insecurity, human trafficking, arms trafficking,” he said, calling for Central American nations to work together rather than deepen divisions.
The episode follows heightened regional debate over El Salvador’s aggressive anti-gang policies, which have drawn both praise for reducing violence and criticism from human rights advocates. For U.S. observers monitoring migration, organized crime and regional stability, the exchange underscores how security policy in El Salvador continues to influence political discourse across Central America.