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Hey there, I’m Salva, your local tour guide expert. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for El Salvador’s tourism scene, and as someone who lives and breathes travel in this amazing country, I couldn’t be more excited to share the highlights with you.
From breaking records to putting our waves and cultural treasures on the global map, 2024 has been a game-changer.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 key events that made 2024 a year of growth, opportunities, and unforgettable moments for tourism in El Salvador. Trust me, as someone who’s out here meeting travelers, exploring every corner of the country, and sharing its beauty daily, these milestones hit close to home. Let’s dive in and see why this year was one for the history books!
1- US Travel Advisory Upgrade: A Game-Changer for El Salvador Tourism
In 2024, the United States Department of State upgraded El Salvador’s travel advisory status from Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) to Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). This milestone reflects the incredible progress in safety measures and the creation of a more secure environment for travelers. It’s not just a boost in international confidence—it’s a game-changer for our tourism industry.
With this update, I’ve noticed a beautiful shift in the type of travelers visiting El Salvador. More solo female travelers are exploring the country, something I rarely saw a few years ago. Before Covid, backpackers on the classic Mexico-to-Panama route often skipped El Salvador entirely.
They’d either hop on a flight from Guatemala City to Nicaragua or endure an exhausting 18-hour bus ride from Antigua to León.
If they did stop in El Salvador, it was usually just for a quick break at Tunco Beach before continuing their journey.
Now? It’s a whole new story. El Salvador is officially the safest country in Latin America, and some of my clients have even told me they feel safer here than in many major cities in the U.S. Today, we’re seeing families traveling with their kids, solo adventurers taking their time to explore, and backpackers actually staying for at least a week, diving into everything our little country has to offer.
This transformation is the best example of how improved security levels are directly benefiting tourism.
It’s amazing to witness travelers embracing El Salvador’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality like never before.
El Salvador’s top destinations are hiking the Santa Ana Volcano, Ruta de Flores, Tamanique waterfalls.
For us at Tunco Life, it’s an exciting time to help more people discover the magic of El Salvador—and to do it safely.
2. International Surf Competitions Elevate El Salvador’s Profile
In 2024, El Salvador hosted six major international surf events, officially cementing our spot as one of the top surfing destinations in the world. The crown jewel of these events was the World Surf League (WSL) competition, which brought the best surfers from across the globe to ride our legendary waves.
Let me break this down for you:
World-Class Waves, Confirmed.
We’re not just saying we have incredible waves—some of the best surfers in the world have proven it by competing right here in El Salvador. These are the elite, the Leonel Messis and LeBron Jameses of surfing, tearing up our waves. Imagine hosting such legends in your own backyard. It’s surreal, right?Global Exposure, Thanks to Social Media.
Every surfer, every team, and every delegation not only experienced our waves but also our top-notch security and Salvadoran hospitality. And here’s the kicker—they shared their experiences with millions of followers on social media. Their stories, posts, and videos put El Salvador on the map for surfers, adventurers, and travelers everywhere.A Ripple Effect in Tourism.
The impact? We’re now seeing surfers from all corners of the globe flocking to El Salvador. They want to ride the same waves their idols have surfed. It’s incredible to see how these events have inspired a whole new wave (pun intended!) of surf tourism to our shores.
Hosting these competitions wasn’t just about the thrill of the moment—it was about building a legacy. These events have shown the world that El Salvador is more than ready to welcome surfers, explorers, and dreamers to our little slice of paradise.
3. Coatepeque Lake Restoration Project: A Win for Nature and Tourism
The Salvadoran government has invested millions of dollars in revitalizing Coatepeque Lake, and honestly, this might be one of the best projects they’ve ever undertaken. The restoration efforts have significantly improved the water quality and upgraded the surrounding infrastructure, turning this already stunning natural attraction into an even more appealing destination for travelers seeking beauty and adventure.
But it’s not just about tourism—it’s about community. This project is a game-changer for the locals living around the lake, improving their quality of life while preserving the natural environment. It’s a win-win for everyone.
And here’s the part that really excites me: thanks to these efforts, Coatepeque Lake will continue to shine as a must-visit destination for years to come. Tourists will have the chance to explore this magnificent crater lake, formed in what was once an active volcano, and enjoy all the recreational activities it offers. From kayaking and paddleboarding to simply soaking in the breathtaking views, this lake is a true gem—and now it’s better than ever.
Projects like this remind us of the incredible potential El Salvador has when we prioritize sustainability and community. Coatepeque Lake is a perfect example of how we can balance protecting our natural treasures while sharing them with the world.
Santa Ana Volcano Hike Tour
You can’t visit El Salvador without hiking the highest volcano in the country, we offer daily group tours. Free hotel pick-up in Surf City and in San Salvador.
4. Inauguration of New Pier at Puerto de La Libertad
On May 8, 2024, El Salvador celebrated the inauguration of a new pier at Puerto de La Libertad, a significant step forward in enhancing our maritime infrastructure. This modern facility is set to boost coastal tourism, provide better access for fishing and touristic vessels, and breathe new life into the local economy.
But there’s something even deeper here—a shift in what it means to enjoy our country. Not too long ago, the fear caused by gang violence kept many Salvadoran families from venturing outdoors. Malls often became the only safe spaces for outings, limiting our ability to connect with nature and enjoy public spaces.
Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. With the safety we now experience, Salvadorans can once again explore and enjoy our beautiful country without fear. The new pier isn’t just infrastructure; it’s a symbol of this newfound freedom. It’s a space where families can gather, locals can enjoy the sea breeze, and tourists can experience the vibrant life of our coast—all without looking over their shoulders.
And let’s not forget the impact on businesses like ours in the tourism sector. With new attractions like this, there’s more reason than ever for visitors to explore Puerto de La Libertad, supporting local commerce and creating opportunities for everyone.
As Salvadorans, we’re proud to see our government investing in public spaces that enrich our lives and invite the world to experience the beauty of El Salvador. The pier is more than just a new addition to the coast—it’s a testament to the progress we’ve made as a country, and it’s something we can all celebrate together.
On April 17-18, 2024, El Salvador proudly hosted the 13th edition of the Central America Travel Market (CATM) under the inspiring motto “Weaving Connections.” This prestigious event brought together key tourism stakeholders from across the region and beyond, fostering new business opportunities and positioning Central America as a must-visit multidestination experience.
What makes this moment truly special is how far El Salvador has come. Once a country that didn’t stand out much in the tourism scene, we’ve transformed into a leader, confidently showcasing everything we have to offer. Hosting CATM wasn’t just about logistics—it was about opening doors, breaking stereotypes, and inviting the world to see the magic of El Salvador firsthand.
This event attracted tour operators from Central America, North America, and Europe, and it wasn’t just about presentations or brochures. These business owners got to experience El Salvador in real life: the safety, the warmth of our people, and, of course, the incredible variety of destinations we offer. From our pristine beaches to our lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage, they didn’t just hear about it—they lived it.
Being the host of CATM 2024 is more than a feather in our cap. It’s a clear signal that El Salvador is ready to take its place on the global tourism stage. We’re weaving connections, creating opportunities, and proudly showing the world what makes our country so special.
This is just the beginning—our doors are open, and we’re excited to welcome even more visitors to experience the wonders of El Salvador.
6. Gastro-Lab Surf City Initiative
The Gastro-Lab Surf City project, launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2021, has been a game-changer for the Surf City area. By 2024, this initiative has provided countless opportunities for Salvadorans eager to learn and become active contributors to the tourism revolution El Salvador is experiencing.
One of the challenges we face today is the growing demand for qualified workers in the booming tourism sector. While new job opportunities are opening up, we’re still catching up in terms of skilled labor. That’s where Gastro-Lab steps in.
This project plays a vital role in addressing this gap by equipping local youth with the culinary skills needed to thrive in the industry. It’s not just about teaching people how to cook—it’s about empowering them to be part of the larger story of El Salvador’s economic reactivation after Covid.
Gastro-Lab isn’t just a training program; it’s a symbol of hope and progress. It enriches the cultural experience for visitors, strengthens our gastronomic offerings, and ensures that Salvadorans are at the heart of this transformation. It’s initiatives like this that show how our country is not just bouncing back but moving forward with confidence and purpose.
7. Record-Breaking Semana Santa Tourism
Semana Santa 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary for El Salvador. Surpassing all expectations, the country set a new record for visitor numbers, showcasing its undeniable appeal as a holiday destination and making a significant contribution to the national economy.
If you visited El Salvador during spring break, you probably experienced this firsthand—the vibrant influx of tourists exploring everything from our stunning beaches to majestic volcanoes and serene waterfalls. It was impossible not to feel the energy and excitement as both locals and international visitors embraced the beauty of our country.
What makes this moment so special is how Salvadorans themselves are rediscovering their homeland. With the newfound confidence in safety and the visible economic growth, Salvadorans are venturing out more, exploring places they might not have before. It’s truly a win-win situation—our tourism industry thrives, our economy grows, and our people get to enjoy the wonders of El Salvador alongside visitors from around the globe.
Semana Santa 2024 isn’t just about record numbers; it’s a celebration of how far we’ve come as a country and a glimpse of the bright future ahead for El Salvador as a top-tier destination.
8. Oriente Salvaje Designated as El Salvador’s First World Surfing Reserve
On November 16, 2024, Oriente Salvaje was officially named the 13th World Surfing Reserve (WSR) by Save The Waves Coalition, making history as El Salvador’s very first WSR. This 19-kilometer stretch in eastern El Salvador includes legendary surf breaks like Las Flores and Punta Mango, known worldwide for their consistent, high-quality waves.
But it’s not just about the surf—this area is home to incredible biodiversity, including hawksbill sea turtles and Salvadoran spider monkeys, and some of Central America’s last wild tropical dry forests. Becoming a WSR means protecting not only our waves but also the unique ecosystems that thrive here.
Here’s the cool part: Oriente Salvaje isn’t just for surfers. This recognition is about balancing growth and conservation, ensuring surf tourism benefits local communities while preserving the natural beauty we’re so proud of. Plus, it’s the first surf location to pilot a climate resilience insurance program—how’s that for forward-thinking?
It’s amazing to think that waves I grew up dreaming about are now recognized on the world stage. This isn’t just a win for surfers; it’s a win for all Salvadorans who love and care for our coastlines. Oriente Salvaje is more than a surf spot—it’s a national treasure.
9. El Salvador Wins ‘Next Big Destination’ Award: A Proud Moment for Our Country
El Salvador has officially made it! We were honored with the ‘Next Big Destination’ award at the Matador Network Travel Awards 2024. This recognition is like our graduation—it’s the world saying, “You can’t miss El Salvador!”
This accolade reflects more than just our beautiful landscapes; it’s about the experiences we offer. From riding world-class waves and chasing incredible sunsets to hiking volcanoes, exploring serene lakes, and discovering hidden waterfalls, El Salvador is ready to welcome you with open arms.
We’re thrilled to share the magic of our country with travelers from around the globe. This isn’t just a win for tourism—it’s a celebration of the warmth and hospitality of Salvadorans who make every visit unforgettable.
10. International Visitor Arrivals Soar by 22%: El Salvador’s Tourism Boom
From January to July 2024, El Salvador rolled out the red carpet for over 2.3 million international visitors, marking a massive 22% increase compared to the same time last year.
This isn’t just a number—it’s proof that the world is catching onto what we Salvadorans have always known: our little country is absolutely incredible.
What’s driving this surge? It’s a mix of everything we’ve been working toward—improved safety, breathtaking destinations, and killer tourism promotion.
Whether it’s surfing our world-class waves, hiking epic volcanoes, or soaking in the magic of our sunsets, more people than ever are coming to experience it firsthand.
This isn’t just great news for tourism; it’s a win for every Salvadoran.
More visitors mean more opportunities for local businesses, communities, and families to thrive. It’s a ripple effect of positivity, and we’re just getting started.
So, if you haven’t visited yet, what are you waiting for? El Salvador is calling—and trust me, you don’t want to miss out.
In conclusion
2024 has been a monumental year for El Salvador, marking our transformation from an overlooked destination to one of the world’s most exciting places to visit. From hosting world-class surf competitions and earning the prestigious World Surfing Reserve designation to breaking tourism records and being crowned the “Next Big Destination,” we’re making waves—literally and figuratively.
This isn’t just about tourism stats or awards. It’s about how far we’ve come as a country. Improved safety has unlocked the doors for locals and visitors alike to explore our breathtaking landscapes, from crater lakes and towering volcanoes to cascading waterfalls and sun-soaked beaches. Projects like the Coatepeque Lake restoration and initiatives like Gastro-Lab are paving the way for a brighter future, empowering our communities and showing the world what Salvadorans are capable of.
Every step we take is a celebration of our people—our warmth, resilience, and pride in sharing our home with the world. Whether you’re here to surf, hike, or simply soak in the magic of our sunsets, El Salvador is ready to welcome you with open arms.
This is just the beginning. El Salvador isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience, a story, and a promise of adventure. The world is finally taking notice, and we couldn’t be more excited to show everyone what makes our country so special.