The Central America Travel Market, a regional fair aimed at connecting tour operators with Central American destinations, has kicked off in El Salvador from April 16th to 18th, 2024. With the theme «Weaving Connections,» the event has drawn over 80 wholesale tour operators from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. These companies are keen on incorporating Central America into the travel packages they offer to their clients.
Organized by the Central America Tourism Agency (CATA), this effort brings together a wide array of tourism service providers, hotels, tour operators, transportation companies, and other stakeholders with wholesale tour operators interested in the diverse destinations and experiences the region has to offer.
According to Boris Iraheta, the Secretary-General of CATA, more than 80 companies have converged in El Salvador with the aim of establishing commercial contacts and negotiating agreements to include Central American destinations in their tourism packages.
One of the highlights of the fair is the presence of top international tour operators such as Viajes Corte Inglés, CATAI, TUI, Expedia, Cosby Travel Consultants, Maya Trails, Yampu Tours, Darah Travel, and MC Tours.
«We have buyers from Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Egypt, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Brazil— all these countries have shown great interest in purchasing regional products,» affirmed Iraheta.
He also emphasized that having El Salvador as the host country has become an added value in attracting more tour operators to the fair, given the country’s recent surge in tourism, ranking among the fastest-growing worldwide last year.
«El Salvador has become somewhat of an anchor, trendy and attracting attention, which brings these markets back to the region. This has generated a halo effect across the rest of Central America,» he added.
Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, underscored the honor and responsibility of hosting the Central America Travel Market 2024 in El Salvador, marking its revival after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
«It is an honor for us that all the countries of Central America have requested that we host this fair, consolidating all the tourist offerings we have in the Central American region and the Dominican Republic,» she remarked.
Furthermore, Valdez noted that tourism in El Salvador is experiencing significant growth, projecting a 40% increase this year alone. The sector currently contributes 10% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Beyond the well-known Surf City destination, she highlighted emerging destinations such as the Historic Center of San Salvador, showcasing the diverse tourism potential of El Salvador and the broader Central American region.