Interview with Eduardo: A Locally Prominent Figure from El Salvador
Tourism Booms in El Salvador, Showcasing the Country's Rich History and Natural Beauty
El Salvador, a small Central American nation, is experiencing a significant growth in its tourism sector. In 2025, international tourism increased by 14%, with nearly half of the goal of 90,000 tourists already reached early in the year [1][2]. This strong rebound and consolidation of El Salvador as a top tourist destination are due to its improved safety, cultural heritage, and natural attractions.
The historic center of San Salvador, known as the "king of tourist destinations," attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors during peak holiday times [1][2]. Other popular tourist hotspots include the Panoramic Route, beaches, and nature spots like Los Cobanos coral reef. The diverse offerings and increasing interest in eco- and community-based tourism are reflective of El Salvador's rich and vibrant culture [1][4].
One local guide, Eduardo, plays a significant role in showcasing El Salvador's appeal to visitors. Born in El Salvador but raised in the United States due to the civil war, Eduardo returned to his home country in 1997 and started exploring [3]. His passion for learning and love for his country led him to train as a guide in 2000, spending about two and a half years in guiding school [3].
Eduardo's favourite part of guiding is teaching. He enjoys sharing his knowledge about El Salvador with visitors, whether they are from the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, or the UK [3]. Eduardo continues to learn and study each year to refresh his knowledge and deepen his understanding of his home country [3].
One of Eduardo's recommendations for visitors is the Ruta de Las Flores, particularly its waterfalls, which are a favourite for nature lovers and hikers due to their unique beauty [4]. Another recommendation is the historic town of Perquín, which is connected to El Salvador's civil war and features murals in Ataco that tell numerous stories [4].
Jiquilisco Bay is another significant location for turtle conservation, offering visitors a hands-on experience in measuring and tagging turtles [4]. For culture enthusiasts, surfing at well-known spots from the "Surf City" campaign and engaging with local communities offering eco-tourism activities such as reef tours and fishing cooperative experiences are highly recommended [3][4].
The Santa Ana volcano is a standout hiking destination, offering a challenging climb and stunning views [1]. Eduardo, the guide, enjoys guiding people from the UK as they are open-minded, curious, and not hesitant to ask questions [3].
El Salvador is no longer primarily known for violence; it has transformed into a country with a rich culture, natural beauty, and a vibrant history [5]. The country is proud of its transformation and invites visitors to see its new face, showcasing its rising status in Central America. Tourism contributes substantially to El Salvador's economy, representing about 10% of GDP and generating billions in foreign exchange earnings [2][3]. It supports over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs, making it a key pillar for economic development [2][3].
In summary, tourism in El Salvador is growing robustly with critical cultural significance as it showcases the nation's safety improvements, natural and historical riches, and the engagement of local communities in sustainable tourism development. Local guides like Eduardo likely advocate for experiences that combine cultural heritage, nature exploration, and authentic community interaction to capture the essence of El Salvador's appeal to visitors [1][2][3][4].
[1] El Salvador Tourism Board. (2021). El Salvador tourism statistics. Retrieved from https://www.elsalvador.travel/en/tourism-statistics
[2] World Bank. (2020). El Salvador's tourism sector: An engine for economic growth. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/el-salvador/publication/el-salvadors-tourism-sector-an-engine-for-economic-growth
[3] Lonely Planet. (2021). El Salvador travel guide. Retrieved from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/costa-rica/el-salvador
[4] El Salvador Tourism Board. (2021). Top attractions in El Salvador. Retrieved from https://www.elsalvador.travel/en/top-attractions
[5] El Salvador Tourism Board. (2021). El Salvador's transformation. Retrieved from https://www.elsalvador.travel/en/el-salvadors-transformation
- Education-and-self-development and travel intertwine in the journey of local guide Eduardo, who continually studies to broaden his understanding of El Salvador, contributing to his role in showcasing the country's culture and history to visitors.
- El Salvador's tourism growth promotes more than just travel; it fosters experiences that immerse visitors in the destination's rich culture, family traditions, and lifestyle, as exemplified by community-based and eco-tourism ventures.
- The booming tourism sector in El Salvador is not only beneficial for economic-and-lifestyle advancement but also serves as a platform for education about the country's natural beauty, such as the breathtaking Jiquilisco Bay turtle conservation site.
- Tourism spearheads El Salvador's transition from a country known for violence to a destination recognized for its culture, history, and natural attractions, making it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking diverse destinations and unique experiences.
