From the February 27 the tourism promotion program Stop Over, which allows passengers with connections of between 5 and 48 hours to leave the airport will operates without charging additional fees.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador (MITUR):
The Minister of Tourism, Lic. Jose Napoleon Duarte Duran officially launched the Stop Over project exempting transit passengers traveling in the Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport and Galdámez, in order to promote tourism in the country for up to 48 hours.
The Central Rail Summit 2015 will be held in El Salvador, from May 13th to 15th, where it is expected that 15 corporations from the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association will be involved.
The Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (CASATUR) hopes to have the participation of 30 union members who will be publicizing various tour packages offered by shipping lines.
Private trade and the Ministry of Tourism will start certifying the quality of tourism services in order to improve the sector's competitiveness against competition in the region.
Statement of the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador (Mitur):
The Minister of Tourism, Mr. José Napoleon Duarte Durán alongside the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism launched a document entitled "Statement of quality and sustainability for tourist accommodation" which seeks to strengthen the tourism industry in our country and improve the competitiveness of services.
In order to promote tourism passengers with flight connections in El Salvador will be allowed remain in the country and take advantage of tourist activities for up to 48 hours without paying taxes.
From a press release issued by the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador (MITUR):
THE PROJECT SEEKS TO ATTRACT TOURISTS IN TRANSIT THROUGH THE AIRPORT AND INVITE THEM TO TAKE PART IN TOURISM ACTIVITIES FOR UP TO 48 HOURS, WITH NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES.
After the cancelation by Costa Rica of the traditional regional tourism event CATM, El Salvador has announced that in September it will be organizing a fair to promote itself as a tourist destination.
"This fair is El Salvador's response to the regional impasse that was experienced with the traditional Central America Travel Market (CATM), after Costa Rica decided not to host this fair, the most important on the isthmus, leaving each country to promote itself individually and not as an integrated destination", reported Elmundo.com.sv .
The Ministry of Tourism is discussing with private companies and a group of consultants draft amendments to the existing Law on Tourism.
According to Jose Napoleon Duarte, chief of tourism, what they are looking for is a legal framework consistent with the current reality of tourism, integrating unions, tour operators, transportation companies, universities, and other stakeholders.
The Deputy Minister of Transport of El Salvador has delayed for up to eight months permits for tourist transport vehicles.
Tour Operators meeting in the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (CASATUR), denounced the delay in the delivery of operation permits by the Vice Ministry of Transportation (VMT) and harassment by the Transit Police. Bureaucracy at the Vice Ministry has created delays of up to eight months in the granting of permits which has caused forfeiture of vehicles by the Police.
Companies associated with the Chamber of Tourism will benefit from technical assistance by the Ministry of Economy.
The Ministry of Economy signed a joint action and cooperation agreement with the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (CASATUR), within the framework of the Inventa Platform, entitled: "Sector Cells Transfer."
The goal is mutual cooperation in formulating, managing and implementing projects related to Innovation and Technological Development of the tourism industry.
The reform plan reduces the minimum amount of investment required to access government incentives.
The proposed amendment is to reduce to $ 25,000 the investment in tourism to access tax incentives. Currently the amount is $ 50,000.
This reform (which amends Article 36 of the Tourism Law) "seeks to be extended for only two years and sets a deadline of December 30 to deliver to the Legislative Assembly for discussion and subsequent approval," reports Laprensagrafica.com article.
The proposal presented by the Ministry of Tourism would reduce the minimum investment necessary to qualify for the incentives.
Napolén Duarte, Minister for Tourism, indicated that the intention is to halve the amount required, which currently stands at $50,000.
In an article in Laprensagrafica.com he is quoted saying, "we are working on presenting a reform to the president to update the law with the aim of allowing smaller investments and giving more opportunity to small and medium sized businesses".
The major hotel chains have cut their prices by up to 50% on weekends.
The Minister for Tourism has received a combined proposal from the hotel chains Crowne Plaza, Real Intercontinental, Sheraton Presidente, Holiday Inn, Hilton Princess and Courtyard Marriott together with the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (Casatur).
The deal, available until 31 December, aims to stimulate national and regional tourism.
TACA Airlines and the Salvadoran Tourism Chamber (CASATUR) presented a proposal for reactivating the country’s tourism industry.
Ricardo Granillo, TACA’s sales director for Central America, explained that they intend to position the country as a tourism destination, with an updated and strong portfolio of services.
The plan includes the creation of a catalogue of attractive products for tourists, showcasing the diverse tourism attractions the country has to offer, such as beaches, cities, adventure tourism, surf, archeology and colonial architecture, explained Granillo.
The plan presented by the Tourism Chamber includes strategies to assist operators and to coordinate efforts across the sector.
Hotels have associated with tour operators and restaurants to conduct coordinated strategies. Additionally, Taca and the Conventions Bureau proposed concrete actions to reactivate the Salvadoran tourism industry.
Elsalvador.com detailed Taca’s initiatives: “they are not charging passengers for making flight connections in El Salvador. This allows tourists to enter the country free of charge, possible inciting them to take local tours”.
After being affected by Tropical Storm Ida, the country's tourism industry has recovered to normal levels of activity.
This was confirmed by the Salvadoran Tourism Chamber, who conducted a nation-wide census.
Rafael Leret, president of the Chamber, told Laprensagrafica.com: "We have no problems in any areas, and all establishments are working ... Internal tourism continues as normal".