Salvadoran authorities estimate that the income left by tourists who visited the country last year reached $1.777 billion, 16% more than that registered in 2018.
Estimates made by the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) indicate that between 2018 and 2019 the number of tourists visiting El Salvador increased by nearly 4% from 2.5 million to 2.6 million.
In order to maintain the growth rate achieved last year in the number of visitors, government and business sector face challenges in terms of security, tourism supply, quality standards, among others.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism detail that generally, 2018 was a good year for tourism activity in the country. The figures show that the number of foreign tourists who came to the country totaled 2.5 million, 12.9% more than in 2017.
Of the $91 million invested in tourism projects in El Salvador during 2018, 87% went to finance private works and 13% to public infrastructure.
The Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) reported that among the projects with private investment are works located in the Ruta de las Flores with an approximate investment of $6.27 million, in El Tunco beach with $3.8 million, in Boquerón $1.36 million and in the Ruta Fresca $1.8 million.
After reporting a 16% year-on-year increase in revenues generated by this sector in El Salvador in 2018, a 13% growth is expected for this year.
According to authorities of the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) for this year is expected that more than 2.6 million tourists visit El Salvador, representing a 6.2% increase over what was reported in 2018.
Regarding the income generated by the sector, MITUR forecasts that in 2019 the income from tourist activities of foreigners in the country will reach $1,660 million, 12.7% more than the $1,473 million registered last year.
During the last year, the country's income from foreign tourism reached $1.473 million, 16% more than in 2017.
Regarding the number of tourists who arrived in El Salvador, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), reported that between 2017 and 2018 the figure increased 13%, rising from 2.2 million to 2.5 million.
José Napoleón Duarte Durán, head of MITUR, told Laprensagrafica.com that "...
This year the government plans to invest $17 million on tourism promotion and on works such as the remodeling of tourist docks, and the expansion of Parada and El Triunfo ports.
The Ministry of Tourism in El Salvador is also planning on investing in the purchase of tourist buses, which will circulate in the main tourist routes in the country under agreements with municipalities.Other works include improvements to basic infrastructure such as wharves and tourist stops.
The adaptations for tourist use at the port of Puerto El Triunfo and construction of an ecotourism park are some of the projects which will be developed with IDB funds.
The Ministry of Tourism in El Salvador has signed an agreement with the Inter - American Development Bank to allocate part of the $25 million loan formalized in 2015 to improving tourism infrastructure in the municipalities of Usulutan, Puerto El Triunfo, Berlin, Alegria, Jiquilisco and San Dionisio.
Staying in their posts for more than one term of office generally means that good leaders of state institutions produce good results.
Jose Napoleon Duarte has served as Minister of Tourism for El Salvador since June 1, 2009, appointed by President Mauricio Funes, and in 2014 was confirmed into office by the current president. During his mandate El Salvador received the first time more than $1 billion from the tourism sector.
The plan proposed by the Ministry of Tourism includes amending tourism land use, improving the promotion of the sector and implementing training programs for companies.
EDITORIAL NOTE: The text of the Plan is not available online.
As reported in an article on Laprensagrafica.com, implementation of the plan will begin in the town of San Lorenzo, and it is expected that the remainder of the year specific programs will be designed for Suchitoto, Izalco, Panchimalco, Perquín and San Vicente. This plan includes the participation of municipal authorities, the private sector and government.
In 2014 the industry generated revenues of $21.2 million, 8.5% more than in 2013.
In 2014 19,000 tourists, mostly from the United States, visited the country to have a procedure or undergo treatment, whose average prices are up to four times lower than in the United States.
Tourism Minister Jose Napoleon Duarte, told Elsalvador.com that "... When medical tourism began to emerge, tourists came for dental care, but today they are also looking for specialized surgeries, treatments for cancer and heart ailments, which are gaining importance worldwide. Aesthetic plastic surgery is also experiencing a big boost. "
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.
$91 million is the estimated amount of the investment projects which have already been approved or are pending which will receive the tax incentives offered by the government for investment in the tourism sector.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador (MITUR):
The Minister of Tourism, Lic. Jose Napoleon Duarte Duran announced that during 2014 and 2015, private investment in the tourist industry which has been or is in process at the institution which is eligible to benefit from tax incentives, amounts to $91,731.
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 2013 tourists entering the country generated revenues of $904 million while last year the figure was $772 million.
Data from the Ministry of Tourism in El Salvador shows that during 2013 1,822,003 tourists entered the country, 17% more than the 1,738,317 people who visited the country in the previous year.
"Jose Napoleon Duarte, Minister of Tourism said:" El Salvador is becoming an easy destination to reach because we are connected to the major cities of America and there are more flights, that gives us a major boost for tourism in our country".