The Norwegian Sun cruise ship, from Florida, United States, docked at the port of Acajutla, in the department of Sonsonate, with 2,500 international tourists. This is the 12th vessel of the 2022-2023 season that arrives in El Salvador.
”We estimate that we have received 17,000 tourists in total (during the season). They have left us approximately $1.4 million of foreign currency. Each of the cruise passengers leave around $150 in the short time they are here,” said the director of the Salvadoran Tourism Corporation (Corsatur), Alejandra Durán.
Norwegian Sun cruise passengers were greeted with folkloric dances and took a tour of the Mayan Route, where they visited the Joya de Cerén and San Andrés archaeological sites; they visited the Cerro Verde Natural Park; Apaneca, in Ahuachapán; Nahuizalco, Sonsonate and San Salvador.
With the continuous visit, tourists are benefiting from different sectors such as tour operators, micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, artisans. In addition, it contributes to a better positioning of the country in the cruise industry and an increase in vessel berths for the coming years.
”All of us who are outside the country have that joy that our country is progressing. I thank President Bukele who has taken us forward. People are interested in coming and doing tourism,” said the Salvadoran cruise passenger living in Canada, Rosa Castro. For the administration of President Bukele, it is important to continue positioning El Salvador as a tourist destination to visit. His efforts to meet the goal include ensuring safety and making world-class recreational spaces accessible to all.
