El Salvador will host World Tourism Day 2026 for the first time, marking a major milestone for the country’s tourism industry and placing it at the center of the global travel agenda.
The international celebration will take place on September 26-27, 2026, bringing together tourism ministers, government officials, industry executives and investors from around the world.
The official handover took place in Malaysia, where Salvadoran Ambassador Jaime José López Badía accepted hosting responsibilities from officials of UN Tourism.
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez said the event will reinforce El Salvador’s position as an emerging tourism destination while creating opportunities to attract new investment and strengthen international partnerships.
Among the expected attendees is UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais, who is scheduled to take part in the high-level meetings alongside tourism leaders from across the globe.
A key theme of the 2026 program will be the growing role of artificial intelligence in tourism. Sessions will explore how AI is reshaping travel planning, visitor experiences and destination management. The conference will also highlight El Salvador’s strategy to expand family-friendly tourism products.
“We will have all my world counterparts and also companies related to artificial intelligence,” Valdez said, emphasizing the event’s focus on technology and innovation.
In addition to policy discussions, the program will feature business meetings and investment forums designed to connect international tourism companies with opportunities in El Salvador.
Government officials see the event as another step in the country’s efforts to position itself as a sustainable, innovative and inclusive destination. Hosting World Tourism Day is expected to generate worldwide exposure for El Salvador while showcasing its beaches, volcanoes, colonial towns and cultural attractions to international buyers and travel professionals.
