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El Salvador and Guatemala Strengthen Ties with New Agreement on Human Mobility.
The Government of El Salvador has taken significant steps to prioritize human mobility, placing the individual at the center of national decision-making and actions. In a historic move, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduardo Antonio Escobedo signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation and share best practices in managing human mobility.
“Thanks to the comprehensive vision and importance President Nayib Bukele has placed on human mobility, El Salvador has become an international leader in migration management. This memorandum with Guatemala is a clear testament to that leadership,” said Vice Minister Portal.
She emphasized the Salvadoran government’s commitment to developing concrete initiatives aimed at supporting individuals on the move, ensuring that migration becomes a conscious and free choice rather than a necessity driven by hardship. The agreement underscores the shared commitment of El Salvador and Guatemala to managing migration in a safe, orderly, and regulated manner.
The memorandum facilitates collaboration on critical areas, including consular services, protection, return, reintegration, and strengthening ties with the diaspora. “El Salvador and Guatemala, united by shared roots, history, and culture, reaffirm their dedication to addressing migration challenges together,” added Vice Minister Portal.
Highlighting the role of El Salvador’s diaspora, she noted the government’s recognition of the rights and contributions of over 3 million Salvadorans living abroad, describing them as key players in the nation’s development.
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Salvadorans Rank Among Top Tourists in Central America.
More than one million Salvadorans traveled across Central America in 2023, making them the third-largest group of visitors to the region, according to data from the Secretariat of Central American Tourism Integration (Sitca).
A total of 27 million tourists explored Central America last year, with 72.5% classified as overnight visitors and 27.5% as day trippers. Of the 19 million overnight tourists, the majority came from the United States, followed by Canada.
The Sitca report reveals that 5.5 million U.S. tourists visited the region in 2023, along with 4.7 million Canadians. Salvadorans represented 5.1% of all visitors, ranking as the third-largest source of tourism to Central America globally. Combined, tourists from the U.S., Canada, and El Salvador accounted for over half of the total visits.
The surge in Salvadoran tourism is attributed to easy border access within the region, as citizens can travel to Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras using only a national ID card or passport.
Besides Salvadorans, significant numbers of tourists came from Guatemala, Colombia, Honduras, Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica, each contributing between 340,000 and 827,000 visitors.
Within the Central American Integration System (SICA) region—which includes Central America and the Dominican Republic—3.3 million tourists were recorded. El Salvador attracted 31.9% of these visitors, followed by Guatemala with 30.9%, and Nicaragua with 10.4%.
Salvadoran tourists played a key role in neighboring countries. In Guatemala and Honduras, they ranked among the top three sources of visitors, alongside U.S. and Guatemalan tourists. Meanwhile, Costa Rica hosted over 31,800 Salvadoran travelers, though its largest groups came from the U.S., Canada, and Nicaragua.
Tourism in Central America grew by 26.8% from 2022 to 2023. The Dominican Republic accounted for 38.1% of total visitors, while El Salvador welcomed 12% of tourists, ranking as the second most visited country in the SICA region.
Guatemala saw the most significant growth, with a 43.6% increase in visitors, followed by Belize at 41.2% and El Salvador at 32.8%.
This upward trend underscores the growing importance of Central America as a key travel destination, with Salvadorans playing a pivotal role in driving regional tourism.
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Urban Basic Basket Reaches Lowest Price in 21 Months: $245.7 in October.
For the third consecutive month, the cost of the Urban Basic Food Basket (CBA) dropped by 1.4% in October, settling at $245.7, according to the National Office of Statistics and Census (Onec).
The institution reported a $3.51 decrease compared to September’s $249.25, marking the lowest price since January 2023—a span of 21 months.
Additionally, the CBA showed an $11.8 reduction compared to its October 2023 price of $257.6, moving further away from the peak of $264.9 recorded in July. The July surge had been fueled by crop damage during a period of escalating food prices.
In rural areas, the food basket also saw a decline, dropping $0.87 from $176.2 in September to $175.3 in October. This is the lowest rural price recorded since September 2022, according to Onec.
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El Salvador’s Transformation: A Success Story Under President Bukele’s Leadership.
President Nayib Bukele has responded to recent X post on El Salvador’s safety, highlighting the nation’s remarkable transformation from the most dangerous country in the Western Hemisphere to one of the safest in 2024. Referring to a thread on social media, Bukele provided context and clarification regarding El Salvador’s dramatic decline in homicide rates, contrasting the nation’s current safety with that of Canada.
In 2015, El Salvador had the highest homicide rate in the region, but today, it boasts the lowest homicide rate in its history. The rise of violent gangs, such as Barrio 18 and MS-13, which originated in the 1980s and expanded through extortion and terror, had long plagued the country. These criminal organizations controlled vast territories, extorted businesses, and carried out murders with impunity.
However, Bukele’s leadership turned the tide. In March 2022, following a wave of violent killings, the president implemented a 30-day “state of exception,” granting authorities broad powers to arrest suspected gang members without warrants. This aggressive strategy resulted in more than 1,000 arrests per day, and by the end of 2022, homicides had decreased by 50%. In 2023, the reduction exceeded 70%, a significant drop that helped restore peace to many communities.
Despite facing criticism from human rights groups, who accused Bukele of overreach, the president defended his approach. He emphasized the responsibility of the government to protect the public, stating that Salvadorans should not be expected to fund the lavish living conditions of criminals in prisons, especially when so many struggle to afford basic meals.
El Salvador’s progress under Bukele challenges the status quo, posing a question to the rest of the world: If El Salvador, a country with limited resources, can effectively combat crime and violence, why can’t wealthier nations do the same? As Bukele’s success continues to grow, his critics are increasingly overshadowed by the undeniable results of his policies: safer streets, a thriving economy, and widespread approval from the Salvadoran people.
With a 90% approval rating and the nation now considered safer than Canada, Bukele’s approach has shown that it is possible to eradicate violence in just a few years. As he puts it, “Everything in life has a cost — and the cost of being called authoritarian is too small to worry about.” His leadership offers a powerful lesson for other nations grappling with crime and violence.
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El Salvador Mining Bitcoin Using Volcano Energy, Worth $46 Million So Far.
President Nayib Bukele has proposed a bold new initiative to harness the country’s abundant volcanic resources for Bitcoin mining. Speaking about El Salvador’s 170 volcanoes, Bukele suggested that a “rent your volcano to mine Bitcoin” program could be a viable solution to combine renewable energy with cryptocurrency mining.
«With 170 volcanoes, this could be an innovative and sustainable way to mine Bitcoin,» Bukele stated, highlighting the potential of geothermal energy to power mining operations.
In response, Dr. Daniel Alvarez, Director of the Geothermal Energy and Hydrocarbons Directorate (@DGEHMSV), assured the public that the government is moving forward with the plan. «We’re on it, Mr. President! We’ll start working on the new geothermal law immediately,» he confirmed.
This comes after El Salvador successfully mined 474 Bitcoin, now valued at $46 million, using volcanic geothermal power. With the country’s vast geothermal resources, the proposed program could further solidify El Salvador’s position as a global leader in renewable-powered cryptocurrency mining.
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First Lady Gabriela de Bukele Launches New National School of Music on Musician’s Day.
In celebration of Musician’s Day, First Lady Gabriela de Bukele announced the inauguration of El Salvador’s new National School of Music, aimed at elevating the quality of artistic education in the country.
“This day marks a new beginning for artistic education in our country with the launch of the National School of Music. This school is the first step in a transformative process to strengthen the Ministry of Culture’s artistic training institutions, enhancing the quality of teaching and expanding accessibility,” said the First Lady during the announcement.
The initiative includes a strategic and measurable plan for students, as well as collective ensembles designed to promote orchestral and choral practice. “This change is just the beginning,” she emphasized.
First Lady de Bukele also revealed plans to extend this transformation to the National Arts Center, enhancing its theater, visual arts, and dance schools. The focus will prioritize early childhood development, aiming to provide children and youth with art as a tool for holistic growth.
“Our commitment is to bring this transformation to the National Arts Center, strengthening the schools of theater and visual arts, along with the National Dance School, with special attention to early childhood, so our children and young people can find in art a path to integral development,” she stated.
During President Nayib Bukele’s first term, efforts included restoring cultural heritage, expanding access to cultural spaces, and fostering cultural identity through early childhood initiatives like the Árbol de Vida literary collection, as well as establishing the National Ballet and the Banda El Salvador.
This announcement signals a continued dedication to cultural advancement in El Salvador, ensuring the arts remain a vital part of national development.
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El Salvador Anticipates 300,000 Tourists During Holiday Season.
El Salvador’s Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, has announced a projection of 300,000 tourists visiting the country between November and December, contributing to a total of 3.8 million visitors for 2024. This influx is expected to generate between $3 billion and $3.6 billion in foreign currency revenues.
“Our projections indicate that in November and December alone, we will welcome over 300,000 visitors at our airport and borders,” said Valdez. On average, each tourist spends between $106 and $120 per day, she added.
The government’s strategy extends beyond traditional tourism sectors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and recreation. It also aims to boost other industries like handicrafts and construction, the latter driven by increased investments in tourism infrastructure.
Popular destinations for international visitors include the historic center of San Salvador and the beaches of La Libertad, especially with the addition of a new tourist pier at the Port of La Libertad. Valdez encouraged tourists to explore the many options available across the country.
“La Libertad’s coastal region remains the most visited by international travelers, followed by the historic center, which will host Christmas celebrations starting December 1,” she said.
Most visitors come from the United States, Canada, Guatemala, and Honduras, with growing interest from South America and Europe. Minister Valdez identified expanding into these markets as a key goal for 2025.
Easter and the holiday season are traditionally the most lucrative times for tourism in El Salvador, underscoring the sector’s critical role in the nation’s economy.
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Celebrating Art and Coffee: A Night to Remember.
Last Night, the Art and Coffee shines a spotlight on the richness of El Salvador’s coffee culture and its vibrant local talent. The event, dedicated to promoting the internal consumption of the country’s prized golden grain, transformed into a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
#CaféDeElSalvador took center stage, offering more than just a drink. Visitors were treated to an impressive display of Salvadoran art, including paintings, jewelry, accessories, and unique creations inspired by the art of coffee growing. The event served as a bridge between tradition and innovation, with coffee growers, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and coffee lovers coming together to share their passion.
Attendees had the chance to explore new technologies in the coffee sector and discover fresh products emerging on the national market, further cementing the significance of El Salvador’s coffee industry both locally and internationally.
The Night of Art and Coffee was a celebration not only of the country’s beloved coffee but also of its talented artisans, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all who attended.
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Presidential Family Joins Celebration of Carlos Argüello’s Legacy at Creator of Dreams Book Launch.
Today, @BINAES is proud to present the highly anticipated autobiography Carlos Argüello: Creator of Dreams, celebrating the extraordinary life and work of Carlos Argüello, a true pioneer in digital effects and animation.
Argüello, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to NASA’s satellite animations and his work on major Hollywood films such as Armageddon and The Chronicles of Narnia, is hailed as a genius who reshaped the world of visual effects. His innovative techniques and creative vision helped define a new era in film and technology.
The event was attended by President @nayibbukele and First Lady Gabriela de Bukele, who joined in honoring the artistic achievements of this Central American icon. Their participation underscores the importance of recognizing the talent and creativity emerging from the region.
Carlos Argüello’s autobiography not only celebrates his remarkable career but also highlights the significant role of Central America in shaping global innovation and the arts. It serves as a powerful reminder of the immense potential of the region’s talent on the world stage.
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El Salvador Becomes 13th World Surfing Reserve.
El Salvador’s coastline has long been a haven for surfers, with its warm waters, miles of south-facing shoreline, and a variety of breaks, from points to reef and beach breaks. Recently, the country has seen a surge in surfing tourism, largely driven by the government’s “Surf City” initiative, which highlights Punta Roca and hosts major international ISA and CT events. Now, El Salvador is making waves globally once again with the designation of Oriente Salvaje, also known as the «East Coast,» as the world’s 13th World Surfing Reserve.
This area, home to over a dozen waves within 12 miles of coastline, is known for its world-class point breaks such as Las Flores and Punta Mango, as well as numerous lesser-known breaks. The reserve’s designation is part of an ongoing effort to protect this unique region. «This is the beginning of a collaborative partnership to ensure Oriente Salvaje’s waves and precious coastline remain intact,» said Rodrigo Barraza, President of ADETCO and co-owner of Las Flores Resort. «The community and the Local Stewardship Council are committed to creating opportunities for conservation and sustainable development.»
The World Surfing Reserves program, managed by the California-based Save The Waves Coalition, thrives on local collaboration. For years, organizations like ADETCO, Sociedad Salvaje Salvadoreña, and Paso Pacifico have led conservation efforts and set sustainability standards in the region. Their collective work was instrumental in nominating Oriente Salvaje as a World Surfing Reserve.
Sarah Otterstrom, Executive Director of Paso Pacifico, emphasized the ecological significance of the area, noting that «mature and secondary forests bordering biodiverse and wave-forming rocky reefs» provide critical habitats for endangered species such as hawksbill sea turtles, Salvadorean spider monkeys, and Pacific mahogany trees. «The vision set forth through the World Surfing Reserve designation will support its sustainable management into the future,» she added.
As El Salvador prepares to host “Surf City 2” in this pristine area, the country’s commitment to protecting its natural treasures while supporting sustainable surf tourism continues to grow.
https://www.surfline.com/surf-news/el-salvador-sees-newest-world-surfing-reserve/212999