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President Nayib Bukele Meets with Rumble CEO, Highlights El Salvador as a “Beacon of Hope”.
President Nayib Bukele met with Chris Pavlovski, CEO of the video-sharing platform Rumble, during a visit aimed at strengthening ties between the company and El Salvador. Pavlovski, who expressed admiration for the beauty of the country, described his meeting with Bukele as an honor, stating, “Last night I had the honor of meeting the President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele to talk Rumble and Rumble Cloud. Such a beautiful country — I plan on coming back.”
During the meeting, President Bukele emphasized El Salvador’s growing role as a global leader in protecting freedom of expression. “We are the new safe haven for ideas, freedom of speech, and belief,” he said. Reflecting on the current state of global affairs, Bukele added, “As the world spirals into chaos and government crackdowns intensify, we will stand as the new beacon of hope for the future.”
The meeting highlights El Salvador’s commitment to positioning itself as a hub for free speech and innovation in the region, with leaders like Bukele advocating for a future where diverse ideas can flourish in a safe and supportive environment.
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Elevating Connectivity: Copa Airlines Announces Increased Flights Between El Salvador and Panama.
Copa Airlines is set to enhance its connectivity with El Salvador by introducing additional flight frequencies between San Salvador and Panama. Starting September 6, the airline will operate new flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with Flight CM879 departing San Salvador at 11:09 a.m. and arriving in Panama at 2:20 p.m.
Michael Wehmeyer, Copa Airlines’ General Manager for Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Belize, announced the investment in the airline’s operations within El Salvador. “We will definitely continue investing because we are seeing growth in El Salvador both in terms of passengers and logistical facilities,” Wehmeyer stated. “This makes it an attractive point for growth.”
The introduction of these new frequencies brings the total to 17 weekly flights between the two cities. This expansion underscores Copa Airlines’ commitment to fostering cultural and commercial exchanges between El Salvador, Panama, and the broader Americas. “We are proud to continue contributing to the development and economic growth of El Salvador by offering more connectivity options,” Wehmeyer added.
Federico Anliker, President of CEPA (El Salvador’s Airport Authority), also highlighted the positive impact of this development. “The opening of new routes and frequencies, coupled with investments in airport infrastructure and a climate of public safety, will enable El Salvador International Airport to exceed passenger mobility figures in 2024,” Anliker said. The airport aims to serve over 5 million arriving, departing, and connecting travelers this year.
Copa Airlines’ expansion reflects the growing demand for travel to El Salvador and supports the country’s ongoing economic and tourism development.
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El Salvador Advances in Environmental Education and Conservation Efforts.
Silvia Fuentes, Executive Director of the Zoological Foundation of El Salvador (Funzel), has highlighted significant strides in the country’s environmental education and conservation culture. In a recent interview on Radio 105.3, Fuentes praised the increasing commitment among Salvadorans, particularly younger generations, towards environmental causes and the protection of wildlife.
According to Fuentes, El Salvador has made notable progress in environmental awareness. “El Salvador is doing well,” she remarked. “There is a lot of environmental education and organizations that support it. People are changing the way they view and interact with the environment, particularly in their use of plastics. This shift will positively impact the future.”
One of the key developments in this area is Funzel´s collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) on the georeferencing of Maculis, located in La Unión. This initiative is set to designate Maculis as a new protected natural area, aimed at regulating fishing practices and promoting sustainable tourism.
In addition to this, Funzel supports MARN´s Ocean Mission program, which focuses on the protection of whales and sea turtles. Fuentes also emphasized the success of MARN´s feline and whale protection projects, which have contributed to significant conservation achievements.
“Funzel is dedicated to wildlife protection overall and has successfully released approximately five million sea turtles,” Fuentes noted. “These efforts not only support sustainable tourism but also align with our broader conservation goals.”
Fuentes’ comments reflect a growing national commitment to environmental stewardship and highlight ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainable future of El Salvador’s natural resources.
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Finding Wellness and Family: The Life-Changing Impact of El Salvador on a Vlogger’s Health Journey.
Carol, a vlogger from California, has shared an inspiring story of how relocating to El Salvador transformed her life. Fourteen years ago, Carol moved to the country to be with her Salvadoran husband, Carlos, and to explore the natural beauty of her new home. Her journey, documented on her popular YouTube channel, showcases the vibrant landscapes and tourist attractions of El Salvador.
Carol’s move to El Salvador also brought unexpected health benefits. Previously diagnosed with endometriosis and told by doctors in the United States that she might never have children, Carol was astonished when her health improved after moving to El Salvador. Local doctors in the country cleared her of previous health concerns, and she has since become the proud mother of two daughters.
“When I lived in the United States, my doctor told me that I could not have children due to endometriosis,” Carol recalled. “I moved to El Salvador at 28, had my first baby at 33, and the second at 35. My doctor here said I was completely healthy. I credit the food, the Salvadoran sun, and divine opportunity, because I needed to meet my soul mate first.”
President Nayib Bukele acknowledged Carol’s experience, noting that El Salvador’s unique environment—including its latitude, volcanic minerals in the water, clear skies, and the warmth of its people—contributed to her improved health and helped her fulfill her dream of starting a family.
Carol’s story highlights the powerful impact of El Salvador’s natural environment on personal well-being and underscores the country’s growing appeal as a destination for those seeking both beauty and healing.
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El Salvador Welcomes Over 2.7 Million Visitors: Tourism Boom and Economic Impact.
The General Directorate of Migration and Immigration (DGME) announced a significant influx of international travelers to El Salvador, with over 2.7 million visitors arriving through the country’s borders by September 3, 2024. The surge in arrivals is attributed to a variety of reasons including tourism, business, studies, and work.
Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez highlighted that the tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, with a 25% increase in monthly activity compared to 2023. This positive trend positions El Salvador to potentially exceed its target of 3.8 million international visitors by the end of 2024.
The impact of this growth extends beyond tourism, significantly influencing the national economy. Tourism’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has surged from 6.39% in 2019 to an estimated 14% by the end of this year.
Notably, the August 2024 holiday season saw a substantial movement of 313,431 travelers entering and leaving the country. Among these, 82,810 Salvadorans living abroad, predominantly in the United States, returned to El Salvador to partake in the August festivities, accounting for 54% of the total border entries.
The El Salvador International Airport, the country’s primary air gateway, recorded 91,173 arrivals and departures during the holiday period. José Vega, a Guatemalan expatriate who recently visited the country, praised the quality of service, stating, «We came to visit El Salvador and we have realized that the service is excellent; a 100% government, it is a place to return to. I call on fellow countrymen residing in the United States to come to El Salvador.»
This influx of visitors underscores El Salvador’s growing appeal as a destination and its strengthening role in the regional and global economy.
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Bulgaria Hosts El Salvador in 2024 Davis Cup World Group II Opener.
El Salvador will face Bulgaria in the first round of the 2024 Davis Cup World Group II, with the series set to take place on September 14-15 at the Tennis Club Lokomotiv in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
The Salvadoran Tennis Federation (FST) has confirmed the national team lineup, which includes César Cruz and Marcelo Arévalo, both athletes in the “Effort and Glory” program. Lluis Miralles returns to the Salvadoran squad after his last participation in a series against Ireland in September 2023. The team will be captained by Yari Bernardo.
Juan Carlos Fuentes, who debuted earlier this year against the Pacific Oceania team, will complete the Salvadoran lineup. Fuentes, residing in Heredia, Costa Rica, has been playing tennis since he was three years old, under the guidance of his father, a tennis coach.
For Bulgaria, the team will consist of Illyan Radulov, Yanaki Milev, Pyotr Nesterov, Ivan Ivanov, and Alexander Donski, led by captain Valentin Dimov. Donski, Nesterov, and Milev are ranked 217th, 323rd, and 426th, respectively, in the ATP doubles rankings.
El Salvador’s top player, Marcelo Arévalo, currently ranks 8th in the world in doubles following a successful year alongside Croatian partner Mate Pavic, with victories at the 2024 French Open, Cincinnati Masters, and ATP 250 tournaments in Geneva and Hong Kong.
Bulgaria will enter this series after a 3-1 home loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in February, while El Salvador is coming off a 4-0 victory against the Pacific Oceania team.
The winner of this series will advance to the 2025 World Group I playoffs, while the losing team will compete in a World Group II playoff next year. The series will be played over five matches, with singles matches on the first day, followed by doubles and the final singles on the second day.
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Central American Torch Passes Through El Salvador in Celebration of Independence.
Today, the Central American Torch, symbolizing the region’s independence, continues its journey through El Salvador after arriving from neighboring Guatemala.
The torch was received yesterday by students and members of the Armed Forces. It will travel across Salvadoran territory before being handed over to Honduras, continuing a tradition that has been celebrated since 1960 to commemorate Central America’s independence.
The flame arrived at the Las Chinamas border, where Salvadoran students received it from their Guatemalan counterparts. It symbolizes the region’s independence as the “flame of peace and freedom” that will traverse the entire country.
The Ministry of Education announced the arrival of the independence torch on its official X account, noting that the symbolic flame will pass through various parts of the country in the coming days before reaching Honduras to continue its journey through Central America.
“Our students celebrated in grand style during the handover of the Central American Torch, with traditional costumes, waving flags, and peace bands playing enthusiastically. The independence flame was received with pride and excitement,” the Ministry of Education stated.
This year, Central America marks the 203rd anniversary of its independence from Spain. Three days ago, the torch was ignited in Guatemala by President Bernardo Arévalo. The signing of the Act of Independence for the region took place on September 15, 1821, when the Captaincy General of Guatemala—comprised of present-day Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—declared its break from the Spanish Empire.
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El Salvador and Manpower Group Sign Agreement for Migrant Reintegration.
As part of Migrant Week, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal and Marta Barroso González, Director of People and Culture Latam at Manpower Group S.A. de C.V., signed a Memorandum of Understanding focused on the social and economic reintegration of returning migrants and those at risk of irregular migration.
Vice Minister Portal emphasized that the agreement aims to create jobs, enhance training, and support the reintegration of returning migrants. She also highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in addressing migration issues, which benefits both businesses and society, contributing to more inclusive economic growth.
Marta Barroso González expressed that the partnership elevates employability standards in El Salvador, noting that global attention is on the country due to its positive investment climate. Manpower Group, a global leader in human capital solutions, operates in over 80 countries and connects potential employees with job opportunities.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives from Manpower Group, government officials, and special guests.
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El Salvador’s Push to Become a Top Destination for Digital Nomads.
El Salvador is positioning itself as a rising destination for digital nomads, according to the Global Digital Nomad report by Global Citizen Solutions. The report ranks the top 65 countries for digital nomads in 2024, placing El Salvador at 46th, thanks to its favorable economic environment, advancements in technology and innovation, and visa benefits.
To attract more remote workers, President Nayib Bukele announced a new initiative offering 5,000 free passports to highly qualified foreign professionals, such as scientists, engineers, doctors, artists, and philosophers. As part of this development strategy, Bukele also promised tax exemptions and relocation support for these individuals and their families, allowing them to move to El Salvador without the burden of taxes on transferred assets.
The digital nomad trend has contributed over $1 billion in global revenue since 2020, with countries across the Americas, including El Salvador, making significant efforts to attract this growing workforce. “El Salvador is an ideal country for digital nomads due to its economic environment, technology and innovation, and quality of life,” said the Investment and Export Promotion Agency of El Salvador (Invest in El Salvador).
By focusing on affordable living costs and investing in tech infrastructure, El Salvador hopes to become a preferred destination for digital nomads looking to combine work and a higher quality of life.
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El Salvador and KOICA Collaboration Powers Growth of Micro and Small Enterprises.
The Government of El Salvador has shared the outcomes of the project “Development of Dynamic Micro and Small Enterprises for the Economic Reactivation of El Salvador,” carried out from April 2023 to August 2024. The initiative, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed to strengthen local capacities in selected communities, with a special focus on women.
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira highlighted the impact of the project, stating, “Since the beginning of this initiative, local capacities in selected intervention areas have been significantly strengthened, particularly among women. Participants have developed the skills to launch business ideas and received seed capital, which has been crucial in kickstarting their ventures. I want to emphasize how this project also fosters innovation through the adoption and use of technology, which is now essential to showcase our work to the world.”
Mira also expressed gratitude for the strong relationship between El Salvador and South Korea. “We especially appreciate the support provided by the Government of Korea, channeled through KOICA,” she added.
Sohui Cho, KOICA’s Country Director, noted, “This project has been supported by KOICA, with a total investment of $6.6 million.”
Paul Steiner, President of the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE), reported, “We have trained 294 entrepreneurs, resulting in 201 business plans. In December, we provided $484,000 to 54 entrepreneurs, and within the first six months of this year, they generated $1.3 million in revenue.”
The Acceleration Program also hosted its first grant competition, where 21 women entrepreneurs and five men received $425,417 in non-refundable funds. Within just two months, these businesses reported sales totaling $375,872.24.
“The participants have developed the capacity to bring business ideas to life and received seed capital, which has been invaluable in launching their enterprises,” reiterated Vice Minister Mira.
This project marks a significant step towards economic reactivation in El Salvador, empowering local communities and fostering entrepreneurship across the country.