El Salvador | Expectation to Reach 4.2 Million International Visitors by 2025

 

El Salvador, country of Central America, bathed to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean, the smallest state, but the most densely populated in the Central American region, a very emergent destination with a significant growth in incoming tourism has an expectation to reach 4.2 million international visitors by 2025, as confirmed by the Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez.

The Minister said that after approaching four million visitors with a month of high flight between excursionists and tourists, the Central American nation intends to overcome deficiencies, increase the hotel plant and the preparation of the staff to respond to the demands of an increasingly numerous tourism.

In order to support the tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism planned to expand international events especially linked to sports, such as surfing competitions, of which five will be held on Salvadoran high - level beaches, as well as two golf tournaments, including one of the Mexican Professional League.

The Minister of Tourism said that in 2024, El Salvador received 3.9 million visitors and in 2025 the country would be receiving around 4.2 million, continuing this growth trend and also highlighting that 80%, equivalent to 3.2 million of people, stayed in the country for one night or more, a figure above the 2.4 million counted during the 2023 financial year.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/104454_este_ano_el_salvador_superara_los_4_millones_de_turistas

Russia | Joining the Application of Tourist Taxes

 

The Russian authorities are joining the application of tourist taxes implementing a new tax in the Federation in this financial year 2025.

Since 1st January 2025, a new tourist fee has been applied to those staying in hotels or accommodations throughout the country and visitors will pay 1% of their accommodation expenses with a minimum daily rate of 100 rubles, approximately 90 euro cents having been established.

In addition to that it was reported that this tax will gradually increase to 3% by 2027, an action demonstrating Russia's commitment to using tourism as a driver of regional development.

The official version of this move states that the funds will go directly to improving tourism infrastructure, from better transport and furthermore to modernised facilities that make Russia most iconic and distinctive destinations even more memorable.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/104444_rusia_se_suma_la_aplicacion_de_tasas_turisticas

Fiji | Celebrating Record Tourism Figures and Exceeding One Million Visitors

 

Fiji, country in the South Pacific, an idyllic archipelago of more than 300 exotic islands in Melanesia, well known for its beautiful, virgin, palm - lined beaches, coral reefs with clear lagoons and rugged landscapes has reached a historic milestone in its tourism sector celebrating record tourism figure exceeding one million visitors.

Dreamland destination for many travellers Fiji in 2024 with 1.06 million visitors surpassed the one million mark for the first time in the country's history, the record of international tourists mainly coming from Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America, showing significant increases in travel to the islands, however this tourist success contrasts with a worrying increase in crime rates.

The tourism sector already experienced remarkable growth in 2023 when Fiji already set a record with 929.740 visitors, data representing 46.1% more than in 2022.

The Deputy Prime Minister Professor of Fiji, Biman Prasad celebrated this great achievement, expressing his gratitude to everyone involved in making the country's tourism sector unforgettable tweeting with enthusiasm the phrase "Vinaka vakalevu to everyone who makes Fiji unforgettable".

Also the Fiji Tourism Executive Director Brent Hill celebrated the milestone with this record and noted that more than 80.000, of these arrivals were on cruise ships, in addition to more than 980.000 visitors who arrived by air.

The Tourism Executive Director of Fiji also highlighted that 2025 will be another banner for the industry as the country enters its peak cruise season, with major ships such as Crown Princess and MS Europa having recenty docked with the latter visited Taveuni, the third island of the archipelago, after Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, part of Fiji's Cakaudrove Province within the Northern Division,  where it docked more than 500 passengers.

Cruise tourism continues to thrive and shore excursions, sightseeing tours, and shopping contribute significantly to the local economy.

Fiji's Tourism Executive Director praised the great efforts of local organizations to ensure an enjoyable and hassle - free experience for tourists, underscoring the positive impact on Fiji's islands and people.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/104496_fiyi_celebra_cifras_record_de_turismo_y_supera_el_millon_de_viajeros