The scenic beaches, majestic mountains, charming villages, and historical landmarks of El Salvador will captivate attendees at the upcoming Central America Travel Market (CATM) in 2024. This prestigious event, which promotes the region as a multidestination for travelers, will be hosted by El Salvador, signaling the beginning of a more innovative approach to tourism promotion, as announced by MITUR (Ministry of Tourism).
The determination displayed by President Nayib Bukele to propel the country forward has yielded remarkable results, making El Salvador the chosen venue for this significant tourism event in 2024.
«El Salvador will host the Central America Travel Market in 2024, an event that primarily showcases the region as a multidestination to Europe,» stated Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, during a recent press conference. She emphasized that the government’s efforts have successfully positioned the country as a competitive and secure destination, and hosting world-class events like CATM will further enhance its reputation. This event presents an opportunity to highlight both the multidestination concept and the unique attractions of each nation.
The previous edition of CATM took place in Guatemala in 2019. However, the 2024 edition marks the beginning of a more innovative vision for multidestination promotion, with El Salvador leading the way, according to the Minister of Tourism.
El Salvador stands among the few countries in the world that have experienced growth in key tourism indicators compared to the pre-pandemic period.
According to MITUR statistics, in the first four months of 2023, the country welcomed over 1 million tourists, representing a 42% growth compared to the same period in 2022, when 725,000 tourists visited. Moreover, this figure surpasses the data from the same period in 2019 (pre-pandemic), which recorded 821,000 international arrivals, indicating a 24% increase.
Furthermore, MITUR highlighted that the government is working collaboratively with neighboring countries to promote multidestination travel as an attractive option for international visitors. This approach encourages travelers to plan itineraries that encompass various destinations within the region. The enhanced security brought about by the Territorial Control Plan and the ongoing fight against gangs, supported by exceptional measures, has been instrumental in the remarkable growth of the sector.
With El Salvador leading the way in promoting a multidestination experience, the CATM 2024 event promises to showcase the rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and warm hospitality that define the region. As attendees explore the beauty of El Salvador, they will witness the collective effort to position Central America as a must-visit destination, fostering economic growth and strengthening the ties between nations.
Source: https://elsalvadorinenglish.com/2023/05/11/el-salvador-to-host-catm-2024-pioneering-a-multidestination-tourism-promotion/
