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President Nayib Bukele Begins Official Visit to Costa Rica to Deepen Security and Development Ties in Central America.
President Nayib Bukele arrived in Costa Rica on an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation between both nations. The visit underscores El Salvador’s commitment to regional dialogue and collaborative efforts in Central America.
Upon his arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), President Bukele was received by Costa Rica’s Vice President Mary Munive Angermüller, alongside Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco. The welcoming ceremony reflected the importance both governments place on maintaining close diplomatic ties.
During his stay, the Salvadoran president is expected to carry out an agenda focused on reinforcing political dialogue and expanding cooperation in key strategic areas, including security and development. These efforts align with ongoing initiatives that have brought El Salvador and Costa Rica closer through shared regional priorities.
The relationship between El Salvador and Costa Rica is built on a common agenda of understanding, collaboration, and mutual support, which in recent years has enabled joint progress on issues of regional stability and growth, benefiting both nations and the broader Central American region.
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President Bukele Proposes Tax-Free Supplemental Pay Every January Under the New Quincena 25 Law.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele announced the submission of the Quincena 25 Law to the Legislative Assembly, a proposal aimed at strengthening household income and stimulating the national economy during January, a month that has traditionally been financially challenging for many families.
According to the president, “Quincena 25 is a concrete measure to strengthen the income of Salvadoran families and energize the country’s economy in January.” The initiative establishes a complementary payment equivalent to 50% of a worker’s monthly salary, to be paid between January 15 and 25 to public and private sector employees earning up to $1,500 per month.
The supplemental payment would not replace regular wages and would be exempt from income tax, social security contributions, and pension fund deductions. It would also be protected from wage garnishment, ensuring that the full amount reaches workers directly.
Beginning in January 2026, the Salvadoran government will fully implement the measure for all public sector employees. In the private sector, implementation will be gradual and focused on protecting employment. During its first year, participation by private companies will be voluntary and supported by a tax incentive allowing employers to deduct 100% of the granted amount from income tax.
President Bukele emphasized that the measure is designed to reach families directly, boost local businesses, and generate a positive economic impact across the country, reinforcing El Salvador’s strategy of combining social support with economic growth.
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Ilopango Air Show 2026 Returns to El Salvador with High-Adrenaline Aerial Performances.
The Organizing Committee of the Ilopango Air Show 2026, together with several sponsoring companies, has unveiled details of the event titled “Cielos al Límite,” set to take place on January 31 and February 1 at Ilopango International Airport in El Salvador. The show promises thrilling aerial acrobatics, flight exhibitions, and family-friendly experiences, reinforcing its status as one of the country’s most anticipated annual events.
For the fifteenth time, the Ilopango Air Show will be held in support of the Intensive Care Unit of the Benjamín Bloom National Children’s Hospital, reaffirming its strong social commitment and long-standing support for Salvadoran children. The event uniquely combines entertainment with a meaningful cause, drawing both aviation enthusiasts and families from across the country.
“Each year we face the challenge of presenting a new show that surprises Salvadoran families and delivers unique, adrenaline-filled moments. This is a must-see event that not only offers entertainment but also allows us to support the Intensive Care Unit of the Benjamín Bloom Hospital. Tickets are already on sale, and we look forward to welcoming everyone,” said Paco Sol, president of the Ilopango Air Show 2026 Organizing Committee.
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El Salvador Advances Pacific Airport Project with International Call for Construction and Equipment.
El Salvador has taken a new step in the development of the Pacific International Airport as the Executive Port Authority of El Salvador (CEPA) launched an international public request for expressions of interest for its construction and equipping. The initiative seeks to attract global companies for aeronautical works and complementary services on both the airside and landside of the new terminal.
CEPA invited interested firms to participate in upcoming procurement processes related to runways, taxiways, platforms, support buildings, and aeronautical equipment. Companies must request the official requirements by January 16, 2026, via the email comprasadp@cepa.gob.sv. After this deadline, CEPA will share the guidelines and next steps with registered participants.
“For the first quarter of 2026, we plan to publish the procurement processes for works such as the runway, taxiway, platform, support buildings, and aeronautical equipment for the airport’s operational areas,” CEPA stated.
Meanwhile, CEPA President Federico Anliker reported significant progress at the site, noting that earthmoving works have reached 75% completion. “Approximately 75% of earthworks are completed. We have considered all aspects to finish this project within two years and begin operations,” he said.
The project currently employs more than 800 workers and is expected to complete the earthworks phase by mid-2026. In its first phase, the airport will feature a 2,400-meter runway and is designed to handle up to 500,000 passengers annually, expanding over time as demand grows.
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El Salvador Outpaces Expectations as World Bank Raises 2025 Growth to 3.5%.
The World Bank has upgraded its economic growth outlook for El Salvador, projecting an expansion of 3.5% in 2025 and 3% in 2026, according to its latest Global Economic Prospects report released on Tuesday. The revised figures mark an improvement over the institution’s October forecasts, which estimated growth of 2.6% for 2025 and 2.5% for 2026.
With this update, El Salvador no longer appears as the slowest-growing economy in Central America for 2025. The World Bank now projects Nicaragua to hold that position with an estimated growth rate of 3.1%, while both countries are expected to record similar growth of 3% in 2026.
Across the region, Panama is forecast to lead economic growth in 2026 with a projected rate of 4.1%, following a challenging period marked by the closure of the isthmus’ largest copper mine in late 2023 and ongoing water shortages affecting the Panama Canal. In 2025, Guatemala is expected to post growth of 3.7%, followed by Costa Rica at 3.6% and Honduras at 3.5%.
Domestic data also points to accelerating momentum in El Salvador. The Central Reserve Bank has reported that gross domestic product grew by 2.44% in the first quarter, rose to 4.12% in the second quarter, and reached 5.1% in the third quarter. Final growth figures for 2025 are expected to be released in late March, when the bank publishes its updated national accounts.
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El Salvador Ensures Safety for Coffee Workers Under Ongoing Territorial Control Plan.
El Salvador’s National Civil Police (PNC) has reported an ongoing security deployment in coffee-producing areas, particularly in the western department of Ahuachapán, as part of efforts to guarantee safe conditions during the coffee harvest season. The operation is carried out by the Rural Police, who remain present in and around coffee farms while agricultural activities take place.
According to the PNC, the objective is to accompany coffee harvest workers throughout their daily tasks and to provide preventive security during this key stage of agricultural production. Police units monitor the surrounding areas of the farms to deter crime and maintain a secure environment for workers involved in harvesting what is known locally as the “golden grain.”
The institution explained that these deployments are part of broader, planned actions in rural zones aimed at strengthening state presence in areas dedicated to agriculture, aligning with national security policies. The strategy is framed within El Salvador’s Territorial Control Plan, which continues to be implemented across the country.
In social media posts, the PNC highlighted its role in protecting productive sectors, stating, “Production, economy, and security. This is Finca San Carlos, where the Rural Police accompany coffee harvest workers and guarantee peace of mind for their labor,” and adding that officers are providing security in coffee farms across Ahuachapán, San Miguel, La Libertad, and Santa Ana to “prevent any attempt at criminal activity.”
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Private Investment Surpasses $5 Billion as El Salvador Strengthens Investor Confidence.
El Salvador’s economy showed strong momentum throughout 2025, driven by government-led strategies that have prioritized private investment, job creation, and streamlined processes. Under the administration of President Nayib Bukele, coordinated efforts across key economic sectors have produced tangible results, reinforcing the country’s position as an increasingly attractive destination for investors.
According to the Executive Director of the Planning Office of the San Salvador Metropolitan Area (COAMSS-OPAMSS), Luis Rodríguez, projects executed within the metropolitan area have played a significant role in these achievements. Improvements in administrative and technical processes have increased efficiency and reduced approval times, providing greater certainty for both local and international investors.
“In 2024 we said that 2025 would be the year of investment, and we managed to close with just over $5 billion in private investment released,” Rodríguez said. “These projects have already passed about 80% of the process, which is the most complex stage, including preliminary analysis, hydraulic assessments, and other requirements, and are now projected to begin execution.”
The construction sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic areas of the economy, fueled by clear rules and a climate of confidence. Approximately 80% of the investment in this sector comes from private capital, highlighting El Salvador’s appeal for infrastructure development and real estate projects.
Rodríguez also noted that continuous dialogue with the Salvadoran Chamber of Construction and private developers has been key to sustaining growth. “By the end of last year, the sector showed double-digit growth in 2025, unlike 2024, delivering historic data for the country and reactivating construction and real estate activities across multiple project types,” he stated. Through these efforts, the Bukele administration continues to reinforce investor confidence and support sustained economic development.
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Surf City 1 Expansion Signals New Era for Sports, Hospitality, and Commerce in El Salvador.
Surf City 1 has marked a turning point in the development of El Salvador’s coastal zone, evolving into a major hub for public and private investment. Since President Nayib Bukele took office, strategic infrastructure and development projects have reshaped the area, attracting international visitors and sparking strong interest from new investors.
According to Surf City Director Alejo Campos, the first phase of the project has significantly changed the profile of the region, positioning it as an increasingly attractive destination for high-impact initiatives. Despite the progress already achieved, authorities are aiming to bring in even more large-scale projects focused on sports, tourism, and services.
Among the most notable developments is the construction of a high-performance sports training center in Punta Roca, La Libertad, designed to attract elite athletes from around the world. Plans also include an international hotel, commercial areas, and medical services to support the growing flow of visitors. “What we are proposing is for the high-performance center to be inaugurated by the end of 2027 or early 2028. And there is still much more coming for Surf City 1,” Campos told Diario El Salvador.
Future plans also envision larger shopping centers, expanded service areas, and a dedicated events and convention center, along with hotels capable of hosting conferences for 300 to 400 people. “We are already thinking about larger shopping centers, service areas, an events and convention center that does not currently exist, as well as hotels with convention halls,” Campos added.
Improved connectivity is another key pillar of the expansion. In addition to its direct link to El Salvador’s International Airport, authorities are studying the feasibility of a small domestic airport to ease access, while construction of phase two of the Surf City highway toward El Zonte is set to begin this year, a project expected to dramatically improve mobility. Beyond infrastructure, Campos emphasized that Surf City 1 has become a source of local employment, reducing the need for residents to commute to San Salvador and supporting a more decentralized model of economic growth.
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Max & Stacy Golf Invitational Puts El Salvador’s Security and Investment Climate on Display.
This Friday, January 9, 2026, El Salvador steps into the international spotlight with the opening of the Max & Stacy Golf Invitational 2026, an event that reflects the country’s growing reputation as a safe, confident, and opportunity-rich destination. Hosted at the prestigious El Encanto Golf Club in La Libertad, the Invitational is expected to gather around 400 participants, including business leaders, international investors, and prominent figures from the global Bitcoin ecosystem.
Organized by Bitcoin Sports Network and led by Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert, advisers to President Nayib Bukele on Bitcoin-related matters, the event goes beyond a traditional golf tournament. Alongside the main competition, the agenda includes a poker tournament and a pickleball tournament, creating multiple spaces for interaction and networking. This diversified format is designed to attract high-value visitors while showcasing El Salvador’s capacity to host world-class events in a secure and well-developed environment.
Among the confirmed attendees are Texas Slim, a well-known U.S. cattle rancher, and Patrick Lowry, CEO of Samara Asset Group, adding to a lineup that underscores the event’s investment-oriented profile. Their presence reinforces El Salvador’s appeal to international actors exploring new opportunities in tourism, agriculture, technology, and finance.
The Invitational also serves as a platform to project a broader national narrative. El Salvador is increasingly perceived not through questions about security, but as an aspirational destination where stability, modern infrastructure, and innovation converge. High-end sporting events such as this send clear signals of readiness for premium tourism and long-term investment.
Beyond its immediate economic impact on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local services, the Max & Stacy Golf Invitational highlights the role of human connection in economic development. By bringing people together in a relaxed, in-person setting, the event fosters trust-based relationships that often lead to repeat visits, business projects, and sustained engagement with the country.
More than a celebration of sport, the Max & Stacy Golf Invitational positions El Salvador as a meeting point for safety, opportunity, and global collaboration, reinforcing its emergence as a confident player on the international stage.
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El Salvador Tourism Revenue Surpasses $3.6 Billion in 2025.
International tourism generated more than $3.6 billion in revenue for El Salvador’s economy in 2025, according to Tourism Minister Morena Valdez, confirming one of the strongest performances the sector has ever recorded. The figure represents an increase compared to 2024 and highlights the country’s continued recovery and expansion as a regional tourism destination.
Speaking during the announcement of an international cycling event, Valdez stated that El Salvador welcomed 4.1 million international visitors by December 2025, generating over $3.6 billion in foreign currency inflows. “We were informed in December 2025 that we had received 4.1 million international visitors, equivalent to more than $3.6 billion in foreign exchange income, a 7% increase compared to 2024,” she said. Official records indicate that tourism revenue in 2024 closed at approximately $3.41 billion.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the 2025 results place the sector among its highest historical levels, comparable to 2023, when international tourism generated $3.664 billion. While the year-over-year increase is estimated at around 5.5% when comparing 2024 and 2025 figures, authorities note that past data may still be subject to adjustments.
Looking ahead to 2026, the government projects reaching 4.2 million international visitors and is revising revenue forecasts upward. Valdez emphasized that sports, cultural, and entertainment events are playing a key role in this growth, including the national cycling tour scheduled for January 15–31, international golf tournaments, the Ilopango Air Show, the Ironman competition, and major music residencies. The government maintains that participants and visitors to these events become informal ambassadors for El Salvador, promoting the country abroad through personal recommendations.