Central America Travel Market Fair successfully concluded in El Salvador

20-04-24

The Hilton San Salvador Hotel was the setting for the triumphant return of the Central America Travel Market (CATM) 2024. Held under the slogan "Weaving Connections", CATM has brought together more than 80 international tour operators from Europe, North America and South America, consolidating itself as the most relevant tourism event in the region for its ability to attract key figures in the sector.

The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished officials, including the Minister of Tourism of El Salvador, Morena Valdez; Boris Iraheta, Secretary General of CATA; Carlos Umaña, President of the Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism; and Ovidio Díaz, Vice President of the Federation of Central American Chambers of Tourism (FEDECATUR).

"We are proud to lead one of the most significant tourism promotion and marketing events for Central America and the Dominican Republic," noted Morena Valdez at the inauguration. "This event is fundamental to promote the region as an attractive multi-destination," she added.

After a pause imposed by the pandemic, the fair has returned with more strength, offering an ideal environment to establish business contacts and negotiate deals. This year, the fair was attended by internationally renowned tour operators from countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Italy, and leading companies such as Viajes Corte Inglés, CATAI, TUI, Expedia, Cosby Travel Consultants, Maya Trails, Yampu Tours, Darah Travel and MC Tours, which significantly enriched the commercial exchange and international projection of the region.

At the inauguration ceremony, Minister Valdez also highlighted El Salvador's remarkable tourism growth, mentioning that in the last year, the country received 3.4 million international tourists, generating foreign exchange earnings of US$3.6 billion. "El Salvador is now the fourth fastest growing destination worldwide," he reported, citing data from the World Tourism Organization.

"Tourism activity in El Salvador has grown significantly, from representing 5% of GDP in 2019 to 10% in 2023, and has generated approximately 300,000 new jobs, with a notable boost in the 10-15% growth of small and medium-sized businesses," Valdez added.

The Salvadoran Chamber of Tourism (CASATUR), organizer of CATM, underscored the effective contribution of the fair, which has allowed the main tour operators to learn first-hand about the region's tourism offer, thus reinforcing its positioning as a must-see destination in Central America and the Dominican Republic.