Thursday, May 8, 2025
El Salvador is undergoing a significant transformation, balancing its push for economic growth through tourism with the controversial policies surrounding its prison system. America’s involvement in this shift is crucial, particularly through its decision to send detainees to the country as part of an agreement with the Salvadoran government. While this decision has sparked ethical debates regarding human rights, the influx of international tourists, drawn by the nation’s surf spots and developing infrastructure, continues to fuel economic growth. However, as the government expands its prison system and attracts more foreign visitors, questions about the country’s human rights record and the long-term sustainability of its tourism boom remain at the forefront. This dynamic intersection of tourism development and prison policy highlights the complex challenges El Salvador faces as it strives to improve its economy while managing its international image.
The view outside Laola Surf Camp captured the essence of an emerging paradise in El Salvador. Tall palm trees swayed over a black-sand beach, while surfers paddled out to catch perfect waves. Families gathered under colorful umbrellas, soaking up the sun on their Easter break. A walk along the beach led to a vibrant town, full of new hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and even a tattoo parlor.
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This picture-perfect scene is part of the vision that the government of El Salvador, under President Nayib Bukele, aims to project to the world. The nation, known for its beautiful coastline and volcanoes, has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure. Yet, this idyllic image is overshadowed by the controversial developments surrounding its prison system, particularly the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), which has become infamous in global news coverage.
In recent years, the Salvadoran government has poured millions of dollars into projects aimed at boosting the country’s tourism. Initiatives like Surf City, which focus on developing the Pacific coast, include new highways, public spaces, and attractions. The Tourism Ministry has projected that these projects will create up to 500,000 jobs and contribute $4 billion to the economy over the next decade, according to Reuters.
However, the infamous CECOT facility, which has become a focal point of international scrutiny, is far more widely recognized than El Salvador’s beaches and mountains. CECOT has garnered attention due to the United States’ decision to send detainees from U.S. prisons to El Salvador as part of an agreement with President Bukele. The images of overcrowded, inhumane conditions at the facility have sparked debate on social media and news outlets, causing some potential visitors to question the safety of traveling to El Salvador and whether visiting the country might be seen as endorsing Bukele’s controversial policies.
The deal between the U.S. and El Salvador in early February sent over 200 immigrants, whom U.S. authorities claim are violent gang members, to CECOT. However, many of the detainees have not been tried, and their families dispute the charges against them. The case of Kilmar Abrego García, a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported, highlights the problems within the system, as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that García should be returned, but both the U.S. and Salvadoran governments refused. The continued circulation of images from CECOT—showing men shackled and packed into cells—paints a disturbing picture of the country’s prison system.
Despite the negative media coverage, the tourism sector in El Salvador has not yet experienced any significant decline. The Salvadoran Ministry of Tourism declined to comment on the situation, but tourism data from 2024 shows a record 3.9 million visitors, up from 3.4 million in 2023. This growth marks a significant recovery for a sector that was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2024, tourism represented 14 percent of El Salvador’s GDP, a major increase from just 6.4 percent in 2019 when Bukele was first elected.
Bukele’s political popularity remains high, with many Salvadorans appreciating his tough stance on crime. His government’s focus on improving public safety has been a major factor in the growing number of international visitors to the country. However, some tourists remain hesitant due to the ongoing concerns surrounding CECOT and the wider human rights issues associated with the government’s policies.
For many, the appeal of El Salvador lies in its year-round warmth, stunning beaches, and world-class surf spots. With relatively low costs compared to other Central American destinations like Costa Rica or Mexico, El Salvador has become an attractive option for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. The country has also made strides in promoting its surf culture, which draws enthusiasts from all over the world.
In the capital, San Salvador, a local guide showed me around the historical downtown, pointing out the many renovations taking place in the area. The city, once known for its gang violence and insecurity, is now a burgeoning hub for tourists. The guide spoke proudly of the improvements, including the revitalization of wide avenues and the reduction in street crime, all of which have made the city more welcoming for visitors. His family, who had once been victims of extortion by local gangs, no longer faces those threats.
While the guide acknowledged the ongoing concerns regarding the government’s tough approach to crime, he expressed optimism about the positive changes it has brought to daily life in El Salvador. He noted that, despite the controversies, the country was safer now than it had been in decades.
This shift in El Salvador’s security landscape has fueled the belief that the country could one day become the “Singapore of Latin America,” a reference to Singapore’s transformation from a crime-ridden nation to a global financial powerhouse. Supporters of Bukele’s policies argue that his harsh tactics are necessary to restore order and pave the way for economic growth and development.
In April, El Salvador received international recognition when it was included in the U.S. Global Entry program, and its safety rating was upgraded to Level 1 by the U.S. State Department. This designation is the highest level of safety, indicating that the country has made significant strides in reducing crime and improving public safety.
Despite these advancements, governments like Canada and the UK continue to issue travel advisories cautioning their citizens about potential risks in El Salvador. However, the U.S. State Department’s endorsement, along with the growing number of travelers choosing El Salvador, indicates a shift in perception. Many tourists now see the country as a rising destination, similar to the transformation that Colombia underwent a decade ago.
El Salvador is striving for economic growth through a booming tourism sector, fueled in part by America’s increasing role in sending detainees to its prisons, which has sparked ethical concerns. As the country balances infrastructure development with human rights challenges, its tourism industry continues to thrive, despite ongoing controversies surrounding its prison policies.
In the end, El Salvador’s future as a tourism destination will depend on its ability to balance its security measures with the protection of human rights. As the country continues to improve its infrastructure and safety, it remains a hidden gem for adventurous travelers seeking both natural beauty and a rich cultural experience. For now, El Salvador stands at a crossroads—ready to embrace its tourism potential, despite the ongoing challenges.
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