Fueled by the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism led by Morena Valdez, the so-called smoke-free industry has recovered 96 percent of its pre-Covid-19 pandemic total in 2022, placing it in the top 16 countries in the world to achieve it.
According to the governing body, this is thanks to the government’s articulated work to improve the country’s image, invest in infrastructure, promote the development of international surfing tournaments, among other offers, but above all to improve security.
After being among the most violent countries in the world, government policies have now made El Salvador one of the safest in the world, according to President Nayib Bukele.
The head of the industry reported that tourism reported $2,646 million in revenue to the country in addition to visitor numbers, a 50 percent growth from 2019.
This is because our international visitors stay longer, spend more and take advantage of all tourism offerings in the value chain, including hotels, transportation, restaurants, leisure and historical sites, Valdez explained.
In addition to exceeding the goals with international tourism, we must add an increase in the results of the local population and the enjoyment of mountain tourism, beaches and cultural spaces, which among others have reached the record number of 6.5 million visitors.
In statements to Prensa Latina in December, Valdez decided that the branch should become one of the engines of the country’s economy, promoting sustainable tourism and respect for the environment.
It is also highlighted that the leisure industry now employs more than 60,000 Salvadorans and had 52,000 formal jobs before the Covid-19 pandemic, indicating the good progress of this activity.
In their expansion and potentiation plans, the authorities are also working on expanding the available housing stock.
Now there is nearly 5,500 capacities and in the coming years the country hopes to reach 13,000 or more, a bet that is challenging businessmen and investors to come to El Salvador to invest in a security environment they have not enjoyed before, so the officer.
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