El Salvador’s Transformation: A New Era for Tourism Under Bukele

Once notorious for its gang violence, El Tunco beach in El Salvador has transformed into a vibrant tourist hotspot. A few years back, visitors faced threats from gang members who roamed freely, but today, the beach is bustling with tourists.

The change began in 2022 when President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency against gang violence, leading to the detention of thousands of suspected criminals. This decisive action has reportedly reduced the murder rate in the country by about 98% compared to 2015, much to the relief of many Salvadorans.

However, the crackdown has not been without its controversies. Critics highlight that many innocent people were caught in the crossfire, with thousands released after being wrongfully detained. Reports of human rights abuses have also emerged, raising questions about the methods used to achieve this newfound security.

Despite these issues, many travelers are drawn to El Salvador. For instance, Costa Rican engineer Juan Gabriel Lopez chose El Tunco for a vacation with his wife, enjoying the local culture and even attending a concert by Colombian superstar Shakira, who recently performed in the country.

Lopez acknowledged that while there are rights concerns, the improved safety has made a significant difference. Others, like Dutch traveler Camille Schyns, echoed this sentiment, noting that locals appreciate the heightened security.

President Bukele has been proactive in promoting El Salvador as a prime tourist destination, leveraging social media to highlight its attractions. The U.S. State Department even upgraded El Salvador's travel advisory to a 'Level 1' rating, indicating a drastic reduction in crime rates.

In 2022, the country welcomed 4.1 million visitors, marking a 60% increase from 2019. Tourism is now a significant contributor to the economy, generating $3.6 billion in revenue, nearly 10% of the GDP.

Events like Shakira's concerts are part of a strategic effort to place El Salvador on the global tourism map. While many rejoice in the newfound peace, some critics argue that such events overshadow ongoing issues, including the plight of victims of the crackdown.

In summary, while El Salvador's tourism industry flourishes under Bukele's leadership, the balance between security and human rights remains a contentious topic.