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El Salvador’s Tourism Boom Continues Under Bukele Administration with Inauguration of New Pier at La Libertad.
In a significant boost to the country’s tourism sector, the Government of President Nayib Bukele has inaugurated the new Tourist Pier at the Port of La Libertad this afternoon. This modern infrastructure, a key part of the “Surf City” initiative, promises to enhance the experience for both local and international visitors, offering new attractions along El Salvador’s beautiful coastline.
The new pier, built with the cooperation of the People’s Republic of China, stretches over 200 linear meters, providing visitors with a scenic walkway to enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The project, which has seen an investment of over $18 million, aims to further develop the country’s tourism potential, particularly in the thriving Surf City region.
At the inauguration ceremony, the Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, highlighted the importance of the new pier for the people of El Salvador. “This new tourist attraction will provide Salvadorans with a beautiful space to walk, relax, and contemplate the sea, strengthening our coastal tourism and offering more opportunities to enjoy our country’s natural beauty,” said Valdez.
The Tourist Pier at the Port of La Libertad is expected to become a major draw for both local and foreign tourists, contributing to the ongoing growth of El Salvador’s tourism industry. As part of the strategic partnership with China, the project is a reflection of the country’s commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and attracting more international visitors.
With this new addition to Surf City, the development of El Salvador’s coastal areas is poised to provide an even richer experience for tourists, reinforcing the nation’s position as an emerging destination for travel and leisure in Central America.
A Modern Destination for Tourists
The opening of the new Tourist Pier is part of a broader effort by the Bukele administration to modernize the country’s tourism infrastructure, creating new experiences and promoting El Salvador as a top destination for international travelers. The pier is expected to play a key role in attracting more visitors, offering them a contemporary space to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the country.
This project marks another milestone in El Salvador’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its economy through tourism and international cooperation.
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Matt Gaetz Highlights Salvadoran Security Model as Inspiration in First Public Appearance as recently named AG.
In his first public appearance since being nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for Attorney General and resigning from the House of Representatives, Matt Gaetz underscored the Salvadoran approach to security as a model for addressing challenges in other regions. Speaking at an event hosted by the El Salvador caucus, Gaetz lauded the country’s progress under President Nayib Bukele and called for its replication elsewhere.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Nayib Bukele, El Salvador has undergone a transformation unlike any other nation in the Western Hemisphere and, perhaps, the world,” Gaetz stated during the reception, which celebrated bilateral relations and recent advancements in Salvadoran security.
The event, held at the U.S. National Archives, symbolized the enduring friendship between the two nations. “This is where the United States preserves its most precious and important documents. It felt appropriate to host our cherished friends in this historic space,” Gaetz remarked.
The AG nominee praised the bipartisan nature of the caucus, which he credited with facilitating a reduction in the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for El Salvador, encouraging more Americans to visit the Central American nation. He called the caucus “a practical, bipartisan coalition” and emphasized its success in fostering improved relations between the two countries.
Reflecting on his tenure with the caucus, Gaetz urged his former colleagues to continue visiting El Salvador and drawing lessons from its innovative security strategies. “All members of this caucus—left, right, and center—played a role. Even the Harris-Biden administration gave this initiative careful consideration,” he noted, highlighting its broad political support.
The reception drew prominent figures from both nations, including U.S. Representatives Vicente González, Anna Paulina Luna, and María Elvira Salazar, as well as Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa, Ambassador Milena Mayorga, and Legislative Assembly President Ernesto Castro.
Gaetz concluded by reiterating the importance of the Salvadoran model in ensuring safety and prosperity for both nations, signaling his commitment to integrating these principles into U.S. policy as Attorney General.
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El Salvador’s Ministry of Economy Wins International Recognition for Digital Innovation.
The Ministry of Economy of El Salvador (MINEC) has been internationally recognized during the 3rd Ibero-American Week of Public Innovation, organized by the Ibero-American General Secretariat. MINEC was awarded the top prize in the Digitalization and Automation category, standing out among 80 initiatives from 22 Ibero-American countries. This accolade highlights the successful implementation of the Streamlining System for Investment Procedures (SADI), a platform that simplifies administrative processes to attract and facilitate investment in the country.
This achievement positions El Salvador as an innovative nation committed to modernizing public services. The recognition underscores the government’s dedication to implementing digital solutions that reduce bureaucracy, enhance administrative efficiency, and foster a business-friendly environment.
SADI enables local and international investors to complete procedures entirely online, with certified electronic responses ensuring transparency and efficiency. Since its launch, the platform has processed over 340 resolutions for more than 200 companies, collectively generating over 113,000 jobs nationwide. SADI is a key outcome of MINEC’s project to simplify and digitalize processes, which has already streamlined more than 600 procedures, cutting response times by 60%.
The system supports 11 critical investment-related processes under several legislative frameworks, including the Law of Free Trade and Commercialization Zones, the Law of International Services, the Law to Promote Innovation and Manufacturing of Technologies, and the Investment Law. By guaranteeing traceability, transparency, and agility, SADI has proven to be an efficient and reliable tool for businesses.
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El Salvador Collaborates in First Forum to Strengthen Central American Air Routes.
Guatemala made history yesterday by hosting the First Forum for the Improvement of Air Connectivity in Central America, a groundbreaking event aimed at enhancing air transport, fostering regional integration, and advancing tourism across the region.
Organized by the Central American Tourism Agency (CATA) and the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT), the forum was part of the IATA-Aviation Day framework. It brought together leaders from the tourism industry, airlines, civil aviation authorities, and international organizations to discuss strategies for regional connectivity.
A day after the Aviation Day – Guatemala, led by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the forum established an unprecedented dialogue platform to address air transport accessibility and facilitation. Over 20 key industry stakeholders participated in discussions focused on critical aspects such as airfares, airport fees, and migration policies.
CATA emphasized that Central America, with its 30 international airports and over 31 million annual passengers, plays a vital role in global transportation. The region welcomed 25.4 million visitors in 2023, positioning air connectivity as a cornerstone of its economic, social, and tourism growth.
“Significant challenges remain to establish Central America as a more competitive and accessible destination,” CATA noted.
The Aviation Day event, representing over 300 airlines worldwide through IATA, reaffirmed the importance of air connectivity as a strategic driver for tourism and economic development across the isthmus.
This forum marks a crucial step toward uniting efforts and fostering collaboration to position Central America as a key player in global tourism and air transport.
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Latin America’s Freshwater Potential Highlighted at Climate Resilience Summit in El Salvador.
El Salvador is currently hosting the III Symposium on Transboundary Waters in Latin America and the Caribbean, an event emphasizing water resource management as a cornerstone for regional development amidst the climate crisis.
The symposium, which began yesterday at a hotel in Antiguo Cuscatlán, is organized by the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan (CTPT). It features the participation of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization of American States (OAS).
IDB representative Olga Gómez García highlighted the region’s significant hydrological potential, stating, “The region is a water powerhouse, home to at least 8% of the global population and holding 30% of the planet’s freshwater.”
The congress aims to foster dialogue, build strategic alliances, and promote collaboration among nations to protect water resources and ensure inclusive and resilient water management.
Adriana Mira, El Salvador’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the nation’s commitment to sustainable water management under President Nayib Bukele’s leadership. She noted the recent initiative to convert national debt into conservation investments for the Lempa River watershed as a testament to this dedication.
The symposium also includes expert presentations addressing topics vital to strengthening climate resilience and water security across the region. Organizers hope that sharing these experiences will lead to innovative solutions and stronger regional cooperation.
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Matt Gaetz Hails Salvadoran Security Success as Ana Paulina Luna Assumes Caucus Role.
In a historic evening, incoming U.S. Attorney General and founding President of the U.S.-El Salvador Caucus in the House of Representatives, Matt Gaetz, hosted an event in Washington, D.C., to introduce his successor, Representative Ana Paulina Luna. The gathering was attended by Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa, the Ambassador of El Salvador to the United States, Milena Mayorga, and members of El Salvador’s Congressional leadership.
During the event, Gaetz praised El Salvador’s Territorial Control Plan, spearheaded by President Nayib Bukele, as a model for addressing insecurity in the region. “The success of this initiative demonstrates its potential to inspire solutions for other nations facing similar challenges,” Gaetz noted.
Representative Ana Paulina Luna, now taking over as President of the Salvadoran Caucus, expressed her gratitude and commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations. “Thank you, Chairman Matt Gaetz, for entrusting the Salvadoran Caucus to me. For those who may not know, Representative Gaetz’s last act as a member of Congress was entrusting this special caucus to me. Thank you,” she remarked.
The evening underscored the strong partnership between the United States and El Salvador, with both sides pledging continued collaboration on security, governance, and shared goals.
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El Salvador Launches First Tokenized Offering of US Treasury Bonds.
El Salvador is once again making waves in the world of blockchain and traditional finance, as the country launches its first regulated public offering of tokenized US Treasury bonds (T-Bills). In a landmark move, NexBridge Digital Financial Solutions, a Salvadoran firm recently authorized under the country’s Digital Assets Law, has partnered with Bitfinex Securities to democratize access to these stable financial instruments.
The public offering, set to open next Tuesday, aims to raise at least $30 million in deposits. This initiative is a game-changer, providing individual investors and organizations access to US Treasury bonds—an opportunity that was previously out of reach for many.
The tokenized bonds will be issued and managed through the Liquid Network, a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution known for its interoperability and regulatory compliance. This platform, powered by Blockstream’s AMP technology, combines the security of government-backed securities with the efficiency and accessibility of blockchain. By utilizing this infrastructure, El Salvador is setting a new global standard for the integration of digital assets into mainstream finance.
Jesse Knutson, head of operations at Bitfinex Securities, expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing the significance of the launch. «This issuance represents a significant advancement in financial technology by combining the security of government-backed securities with the adaptability and efficiency of digital assets,» he said.
Nicolas Cane, CEO of NexBridge, highlighted the broader implications of the project, stating, «The launch of USTBL demonstrates our commitment to building the future of capital markets using Bitcoin technology. By building on Bitcoin through the Liquid Network, we are creating a unified standard that enables the seamless movement of assets across jurisdictions and exchanges.»
This milestone reinforces El Salvador’s position as a pioneer in the regulation of digital assets in Latin America, while solidifying its commitment to Bitcoin as a transformative force in global finance. With this move, the country continues to pave the way for greater financial inclusion and innovation.
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El Salvador Highlights Climate Action at COP29.
In a key event held at El Salvador’s Pavilion during COP29, the Ministry of Environment facilitated a dialogue on the impacts of climate events in the country. The discussion was part of the Study on Loss and Damage from Climate Events in El Salvador.
Experts from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) El Salvador, the European Commission’s Climate Change Program, and the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) analyzed the far-reaching effects of climate events on human mobility, livelihoods, and the nation’s GDP. The panel emphasized the agricultural sector as one of the most severely impacted by these phenomena.
The session also showcased transformative initiatives and projects aimed at turning challenges into actionable solutions to mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.
El Salvador’s efforts at COP29 underscore the urgent need for collaborative strategies to address climate resilience in vulnerable regions.
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Farmers Urged to Report Losses as El Salvador Responds to Storm Impacts.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) announced ongoing efforts to assess the damage caused by Tropical Depression Sara, which brought heavy rains and disruptions over the weekend. Farmers are encouraged to report crop damages through the Program for Agrotechnological Inputs (Piatec) platform by following a series of steps outlined online.
President Nayib Bukele declared on Sunday that families who lost their crops will receive a $300 bonus, alongside the distribution of over 50,000 food packages to affected households. The MAG confirmed that the bonus will be allocated to 1,000 farmers, who can obtain further details by calling 2210-5285.
The torrential rains caused significant agricultural damage, particularly to vegetables, fruits, and staple grains, according to MAG’s assessment. The government has deployed over 200 specialists from various departments to evaluate the situation since Monday.
Civil Protection reported that as of Tuesday, 456 people were in shelters, with 40 roads blocked and 12 landslides and mudslides recorded.
Meanwhile, the Coffee Association of El Salvador (Acafesal) warned of potential coffee crop issues, including cracking of mature beans and the risk of a rust outbreak due to prolonged moisture exposure.
Authorities continue to urge vigilance and cooperation as recovery efforts unfold.
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Italian Cuisine Week in El Salvador Promotes Health and Gastronomy.
The Italian Embassy in El Salvador inaugurated the XI Edition of the Italian Cuisine Week on Tuesday, celebrating the theme «Mediterranean Diet and Cuisine of the Roots: Health and Tradition.» This annual event, which promotes the rich culinary heritage of Italy, is supported this year by Banco Cuscatlán and features a series of activities open to the public.
As part of the initiative, two exclusive masterclasses will be held, led by renowned Italian chef Gionata Fama, with the backing of the World Food Program (WFP) and the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR). The first session, taking place in Chalatenango, will focus on empowering 15 businesswomen from the restaurant sector, participants in the UN Women MELYT program, as well as 25 students from Gastrolab, an initiative developed through collaboration between WFP and MITUR.
The second masterclass will be held on November 22 at the Pan American Academy of Culinary Arts (APAC), where 50 students from the Association of Chefs of El Salvador, led by chef Manuel Cuerno, will have the opportunity to learn from Chef Fama. Both sessions will cover the theoretical foundations of Italian cuisine, along with hands-on instruction on preparing fresh pasta and traditional sauces, enhancing both culinary and business skills for the participants.
Italian Ambassador to El Salvador, Paolo Rozo Sordini, explained that the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is an initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. “This is an annual event dedicated to promoting Italian cuisine, with particular attention to its traditional roots, as well as the role of the Mediterranean diet in promoting health within the context of a balanced, sustainable lifestyle,” he said.
The Italian Cuisine Week highlights the cultural and health benefits of Mediterranean food and strengthens ties between Italy and El Salvador through gastronomy and culinary exchange. The event is expected to inspire local chefs and food enthusiasts while showcasing Italy’s deep culinary traditions.
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