El Salvador Launches Central America’s First Tourism Investment Guide
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and UN Tourism have launched the Tourism Doing Business—Investing in El Salvador guide, making El Salvador the first Central American country to offer such a comprehensive tool for attracting foreign investment in tourism. This guide highlights the nation’s strengths and attractions, including advancements in security, a skilled workforce, exceptional surfing conditions, and a sun-and-beach tourism appeal.
A Regional Initiative to Boost Tourism Investment
Since 2021, CAF and UN Tourism have collaborated to develop tourism investment guides for Latin America and the Caribbean. These guides analyze the competitiveness and investment potential of tourism sectors across the region, identifying key opportunities to attract foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador and beyond. The guide emphasizes El Salvador’s diverse offerings: pristine beaches, adventure tourism, rich culture, and gastronomy.
Economic and Social Benefits of Tourism Growth
Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF, expressed enthusiasm for the country’s progress. “Seeing the figures on how El Salvador has evolved excites us,” he said, highlighting its political and economic stability, infrastructure, and human talent development improvements. These factors make El Salvador a prime candidate for foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador.
A Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The guide also underscores the country’s commitment to sustainable tourism. It outlines how tourism in El Salvador is a tool for economic growth and environmental conservation. According to Morena Valdez, El Salvador’s Minister of Tourism, the government has implemented security policies that make the country a regional benchmark. She emphasized how collaboration with the private sector fosters job creation and community development, paving the way for foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador.
Post-Pandemic Tourism Recovery
El Salvador has experienced significant post-pandemic recovery, with international visitor levels reaching new heights. Its strategic location, robust infrastructure, youthful workforce, and secure business environment have contributed to its appeal as a destination for tourists and investors alike. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, noted that El Salvador is the fourth-fastest-growing tourism market worldwide. This growth underscores the country’s readiness to attract foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador while aligning with sustainability and competitiveness goals.
Partnerships Driving Sustainable Tourism Development
Gustavo Santos, Regional Director for the Americas at the World Tourism Organization (WTO), praised tools like the investment guide for driving sustainable tourism development. He stressed that the region’s tourism sector benefits from strategic partnerships with organizations like CAF, which work to attract foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador while promoting resilience and inclusion.
Foreign Direct Investment Surges in 2023
The numbers back up these efforts. In 2023, foreign direct investment (FDI) in El Salvador reached USD 760 million—a 344% increase compared to 2022. Much of this success is tied to the government’s focus on environmental protection, climate action, and renewable energy development. Among El Salvador’s strategic initiatives, a tourism portfolio valued at USD 1 billion stands out as a critical driver for foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador.
A Competitive and Sustainable Tourism Destination
CAF’s Tourism Director, Óscar Rueda, emphasized that profitability and sustainability are the best incentives for attracting investors. He noted that El Salvador’s secure environment and stable conditions make it one of the most competitive tourism destinations in the region. These factors align seamlessly with the guide’s objective: to channel foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador in ways that promote peace, social inclusion, and environmental preservation.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Improvements
As El Salvador continues to advance its tourism sector, the government and private sector are collaborating on infrastructure and connectivity improvements. This commitment positions the country as a leader in sustainable tourism. It ensures that foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador contributes to balanced growth, benefiting local communities and preserving its natural heritage.
Setting a Precedent for Central America
By becoming the first Central American country to introduce a Tourism Investment Guide, El Salvador sets a precedent for other nations in the region. Its approach to aligning tourism growth with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provides a roadmap for attracting foreign investment in tourism in El Salvador while safeguarding its future.
Summary
El Salvador’s launch of the Tourism Doing Business – Investing in El Salvador guide marks a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a premier tourism and investment destination in Central America. By leveraging its unique strengths—pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, adventure tourism, and strategic geographic location—alongside robust infrastructure and an improving security landscape, the nation is well-positioned to attract substantial foreign investment in tourism. The guide highlights El Salvador’s economic potential and reflects its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental conservation. These values align with global trends, making it a competitive choice for socially conscious investors.
Furthermore, the unprecedented growth in foreign direct investment and the country’s rise as the fourth-fastest-growing tourism market globally underscore its readiness for this transformative chapter. El Salvador’s collaboration with key international organizations, its focus on human capital development, and the alignment of its tourism initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals solidify its leadership in the region. As the first Central American country to introduce such a guide, El Salvador is setting a benchmark for innovation and sustainability in tourism. By fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, the nation is paving the way for a future where tourism drives economic prosperity while preserving its cultural and natural treasures.