According to the Ministry of Tourism’s data, El Salvador welcomed 1.6 million international tourists in the initial five months of this year, marking a 28% surge from the same period in 2023.

The government’s report highlights a direct economic impact of $1.529 billion in foreign exchange, a significant 11% increase from 2023, all attributed to the influx of international tourists.

Morena Valdez, the Minister of Tourism, has noted the positive ripple effect of international tourism on the local economy. She highlighted how the recent increase in international tourist arrivals has directly contributed to the economic vitality of hotels, restaurants, and tourist transportation services, a testament to the sector’s potential for growth and development.

The average spending by international tourists during their visit stood at approximately $1,382 per person, substantially contributing to the expansion of both the tourism sector and the broader national economy.”

The appeal of El Salvador as a tourist destination is evident in the diversity of our visitors. The predominant countries of origin for visitors include the United States ( 40%), Guatemala ( 23%), and Honduras ( 15%), with the remaining 22% coming from various parts of the globe. This diverse mix of visitors is a testament to the broad appeal of our country.

The trend shows an increased number of visitors, particularly from the United States and Central America, as well as significant numbers from Canada, Europe, and South America.

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Elizabeth and I visited the Decameron Resort for a short break. We were there from Sunday to Tuesday and had a great time.

After arriving on Sunday, we went swimming. Elizabeth enjoyed the ocean while I relaxed by the pool. The resort had five swimming pools to choose from. We took a break before heading to dinner at one of the six restaurants on the resort: Salvadorian, Seafood, Steakhouse, Italian, and International. Snacks like hamburgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches were available between meals.

On Sunday evening, we had a delightful salmon dinner and then enjoyed some drinks at one of the resort’s bars.

We both had a lovely breakfast on Monday and spent the day swimming and exploring the resort. In the evening, we had a delicious beef tenderloin dinner.

We slept in on Tuesday, packed up, had lunch, and checked out at 1 PM.

I highly recommend the Decameron Resort to anyone visiting El Salvador. It’s an all-inclusive resort, and we had a fantastic time. We’ve also compiled a slideshow of our stay, which we hope you’ll enjoy.

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From June 6th to 15th, prepare for the Surf City El Salvador Pro 2024, a unique event as the seventh leg of the prestigious World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Kicking off on June 6th at the stunning Punta Roca beach in La Libertad, this event is a significant part of President Nayib Bukele’s Surf City initiative, making it the third time the championship graces El Salvador.
With over 30 competitors from all corners of the world, the Surf City El Salvador Pro 2024 is a truly global event. It features renowned athletes like John John Florence from Hawaii, the current leader in the WSL rankings, and Brisa Hennessy, the top-ranked female surfer. Florence, a two-time world champion, will be a part of this tour stop, adding to the tournament’s international prestige.
El Salvador’s Bryan Pérez, the national champion and bronze medalist from the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, will also compete. He has voiced his excitement about hosting the world’s elite surfers at Punta Roca, famed for its exceptional right-hand waves.
The Surf City El Salvador Pro 2024, which runs until June 15th, promises thrilling waves and elite competition and serves as a window to El Salvador’s enchanting beauty and rich culture.
The WSL Championship Tour, a globally celebrated surfing contest, spans various dates and venues annually. This week, El Salvador proudly welcomes the Surf City El Salvador Pro 2024, marking the tour’s seventh stop. 🏄‍♂️🌊

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The ceremony will occur this Saturday in Gerardo Barrios Square in San Salvador.

    On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador took to Twitter to announce that a distinguished delegation from the White House would attend Nayib Bukele’s presidential inauguration.

The delegation from the United States will be headed by Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, as stated by the embassy.

The U.S. delegation, led by Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, will also include key figures such as William H. Duncan, U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador; Marisa Lago, U.S. Assistant Secretary of International Trade; Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs; Julieta Valls Noyes, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration; and Daniel P. Erikson, Special Advisor to the President and Director for the Western Hemisphere of the National National Security Council, White House.

The X account of the Presidential House warmly invites the Salvadoran population to attend the presidential inauguration ceremony this Saturday, June 1, at 7:00 a.m. in Gerardo Barrios Square in San Salvador.

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The growing confidence in Doing Business In El Salvador

 The MSE Business Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2024, as prepared by Fusai, surpasses the results achieved throughout last year.

El Salvador’s economic dynamism is rising, and an improved business climate accompanies it. According to the Mype Business Confidence Index report for the first quarter of 2024, prepared by the Salvadoran Foundation for Integral Support (Fusai), entrepreneurs’ perspectives regarding the country’s economic climate and business performance have significantly improved.

The Business Confidence Index reached 105.8 points during the first quarter of 2024, signaling a positive start for micro and small enterprises (MSEs). This score surpasses previous years’ results and exceeds the fourth quarter 2023. Notably, it outperforms all scores reported last year by this index, which Fusai develops through the Mype Observatory.

The optimism reflected in this score is driven by positive near-term expectations and a better perception of the current economic situation. Specifically, the net proportion of entrepreneurs with a favorable opinion of their business performance increased by 7.7 points compared to the first quarter of 2023.

Segment-wise, small companies lead this growth, with an index of 108.5 points, followed by the subsistence and extended accumulation segments at 107.3 and 107.1, respectively. These sustained growth trends bode well for investment and production in the short term.

Overall, this positive outlook signifies sectoral solidity and is particularly inspiring for the subsistence segment. As many entrepreneurs in this segment may transition to simple accumulation entrepreneurs, there is a clear path to improving their quality of life and contributing to El Salvador’s economic growth.

The MSE Business Confidence Index forecasts continued strong performance for MSEs throughout the year. Approximately 61% of entrepreneurs expect their businesses to strengthen by the end of 2024. However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges, such as increased competition, decreased demand, rising prices, and difficulties accessing financing. By understanding these challenges, we can better prepare and manage them.

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A recent agreement has been signed between the aeronautical authorities of El Salvador and Saudi Arabia. The primary objective of this agreement is to facilitate negotiations related to cargo, passenger, and mail connections between the two nations.

This Tuesday marked a significant advancement in aviation relations between El Salvador and Saudi Arabia. Homero Morales, representing El Salvador’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, head of the Saudi Arabian Aviation Authority, signed a pivotal Joint Negotiation Act. This act is a foundational step towards forging a comprehensive air transport agreement, underlining the importance of this agreement in enhancing connectivity for passengers, freight, and postal services.

Through the X network, the AAC announced that this recent diplomatic engagement is a precursor to the anticipated memorandum of understanding and subsequent air transport agreement. These forthcoming documents are expected to pave the way for the swift establishment of new aviation links, fostering an optimistic outlook for the future of aviation relations between El Salvador and Saudi Arabia.

Furthermore, the ACC underscored the significance of this bilateral partnership, highlighting its alignment with the strategic initiatives of El Salvador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The signing ceremony was also notable for the presence of officials from the Embassy of El Salvador in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the collaborative spirit of this venture.

Information sources for this article: El Salvador News

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“Join the U” Campaign Debuts in Los Angeles to Empower Salvadoran Education

The “Join the U” initiative, a cornerstone of the Servicios El Salvador + program, debuted in Los Angeles, California. This international campaign is a collaborative effort involving 13 private universities and the University of El Salvador.

The launch event saw a significant turnout from the Salvadoran community in Los Angeles, rallied by the local Consulate of El Salvador. On the inaugural day alone, over 120 individuals showed enthusiasm for pursuing or initiating their online academic journeys.

Designed to inform Salvadorans globally about their educational opportunities, the “Join the U” Campaign promotes over 60 fully online programs sanctioned by the National Directorate of Higher Education. The most sought-after fields include graphic design, programming, psychology, business administration, and legal sciences.

Distinguished attendees included Cindy Portal, Deputy Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Erick Doradea, Deputy Minister of Culture; and Christian Aparicio, National Director of Higher Education from MINEDUCYT.

The event also welcomed representatives from the three Salvadoran higher education associations—AUPRIDES, CIESCE, and CONARES—and delegates from the participating educational institutions.

Christian Aparicio highlighted the significant role of President Nayib Bukele’s public policies in fostering such initiatives. These policies have paved the way for Salvadorans, once displaced by economic strife and violence, to reconnect with their homeland through academic pursuits.

Aparicio extended an invitation to the attendees, urging them to join the ranks of Salvadorans overseas who are choosing to make a difference in their country through the power of education.

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Last week, we celebrated Mother’s Day in El Salvador and the United States. To mark the occasion, I treated Elizabeth to a delightful lunch at the Olive Garden Restaurant in San Salvador, a charming spot in a sophisticated neighborhood.

Our meal was nothing short of wonderful. We started with a plate of crispy Calamari. Elizabeth chose the Chicken Parmigiana for her main course, while I indulged in the Classic Lasagna. A fresh salad and warm, aromatic bread accompanied each dish. We shared a slice of luscious strawberry cream cake to top off our meal.

Below, you’ll find a slideshow capturing the special moments from our day.

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Elizabeth and I met with our friends Krissia and her mom at Atami Beach Resort on Sunday. We explored the beach, enjoyed the scenery and good food, and had an enjoyable day with our friends. 

Atami Escape Resort: A Coastal Sanctuary

Nestled amidst the rugged cliffs of the Salvadoran coast, the Atami Escape Resort beckons weary souls to unwind and reconnect with nature. Here, the relentless pace of city life fades into the background, replaced by the soothing rhythm of crashing waves and the salty breeze.

Key Features:

• Breathtaking Views: Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the resort offers stunning vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Black sand beaches—Atami (a private beach) and Palmarcito—frame the horizon, inviting guests to explore their untamed beauty.

Dining Experience at the Resort:  

When it comes to dining at the resort, there’s a distinct contrast between the two options:

1. Beachside Delivery: If you opt for food to be brought to your beach area, my experience was that it fell below expectations. The quality left something to be desired.
2. Seated Restaurant: However, the difference is remarkable when you visit the sit-down restaurant. The food and service are significantly better. 
3. At the restaurant, they were promoting a Guatemalan beer, Gallo, which means rooster in Spanish. Gallo, in Guatemala, is a renowned pale lager, the country’s oldest continuously produced beer. Its rich history traces back to 1896, making it a significant part of Guatemalan culture and heritage. I found it to be a very good beer.

• Cozy Accommodations: The resort boasts a boutique hotel designed to surround guests comfortably.  
• Palm-Roofed Retreats: Seek shade under the natural palm ranchos, where hammocks sway gently. Lose track of time as you sip a chilled drink and let the sun kiss your skin.
• Aquatic Adventures: Thrill-seekers can plunge the water slide, surrounded by lush greenery. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, there are seven pools to choose from—two for adults, two for children, and three filled with invigorating seawater.
• Waterfront Bliss: Whether paddleboarding, surfing or simply floating on the gentle waves, the resort’s water activities promise endless fun.

At Atami Escape Resort, time slows down, and the natural world embraces you like an old friend. Come, escape the ordinary, and let the ocean weave its magic.

We enjoyed the time with our friends and look forward to reuniting with them again soon.

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 A Multicolored Celebration of Youth and Unity

Surfing enthusiasts from around the world gathered on the sun-kissed shores of El Salvador for the much-anticipated 2024 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. With youth’s strength, vigor, and boundless joy, this vibrant event started in a dazzling, multicolored ceremony.

Record Participation and Unity

• Four hundred forty-seven surfers from 54 countries converged at the picturesque venue, their boards poised for the exhilarating rides that awaited them. Like an ancient storyteller, the ocean whispered tales of waves and dreams to these young athletes.
• The opening ceremony, a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, unfolded under the watchful eyes of distinguished guests. Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association (ISA), stood at the heart of it all, his passion for the sport radiating like the midday sun.
• Alongside him was Morena Valdez, the Minister of Tourism, whose presence testified to the significance of this championship for El Salvador.

The Sand Ceremony: Symbolizing Unity

• The sands of El Salvador held secrets—stories of tides, storms, and resilience. And so, in a symbolic act of unity, one or two athletes from each delegation stepped forward. They carried a handful of sand from their home beaches, grains that represented their nations.
• They poured this precious sand into a communal tank, creating a mosaic of colors—a living map of solidarity. The message was clear: we are one, bound by the love of surfing and the spirit of competition.

Gratitude and Transformation

• As the sun dipped toward the horizon, Fernando Aguerre took the stage. His voice, a blend of gratitude and determination, resonated across the beach.
• “Thank you, President Nayib Bukele,” he began, “for entrusting the ISA with this remarkable opportunity. Surfing is more than a sport; it’s a bridge that connects cultures, ignites passions, and transforms lives.”
• Aguerre acknowledged the pivotal role of surfing in El Salvador’s tourism sector. With enviable security conditions, the country stood ready to welcome visitors, adventurers, and wave-chasers alike.

A Journey Begins

• And so, with the crash of waves as their soundtrack, the young surfers embarked on their journey. Each ride and wipeout would etch their names into the annals of surfing history.
• As the multicolored flags fluttered in the salty breeze, the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship became more than a competition—it was a celebration of youth, unity, and the boundless possibilities that lay beyond the horizon.

May the waves carry their dreams, and the sands remember their footsteps.

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