El Salvador’s Tourism Surges Amid Bitcoin Adoption and Improved Security

El Salvador is experiencing a surge in tourism, coinciding with its adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender.

In 2024, the country welcomed 3.9 million visitors, a 22% increase from the previous year, according to a report by Santander, Spain’s largest bank, which President Nayib Bukele shared. Visitor numbers have nearly doubled compared to levels seen between 2013 and 2016.

Improved security has been a significant factor in this growth. Homicides have dropped dramatically, with December 2024 recording just one incident. Annual homicides fell to 114 last year, a stark contrast to the 6,656 recorded in 2015. Enhanced infrastructure and better mobility have also boosted ecotourism, making the country more accessible and attractive to travelers.

The report highlights a rise in U.S. tourists, many of whom are drawn by El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption. Additionally, the improved safety has encouraged Salvadorans living abroad, particularly in the U.S., to return and visit family, further supporting the tourism industry. El Salvador’s growth in tourism has surpassed that of neighboring countries like Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Panama, which average 3 million visitors annually. Continued expansion in this sector could attract investment and strengthen the country’s economy.

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Despite actively promoting Bitcoin through initiatives like the Chivo wallet, the government’s $1.4 billion agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) introduces limitations. The private sector will now have the option to accept Bitcoin voluntarily, and public sector involvement in Bitcoin activities will be scaled back. Additionally, the Chivo wallet, aimed at facilitating Bitcoin transactions, is set to be phased out.

El Salvador remains committed to its Bitcoin strategy, purchasing one Bitcoin daily regardless of market conditions. The country has amassed 6,024 BTC, worth approximately $569 million. Recently, it added 11 BTC, valued at $1 million, to its reserves, showcasing its continued dedication to integrating cryptocurrency into its economic plans.

Kosta Gushterov