San Salvador historic center attracts USD 200 million in private investment

The historic center of San Salvador is undergoing a significant urban transformation, combining heritage conservation with modernization and the recovery of public spaces. According to official figures, the area now attracts approximately 2.5 million visitors annually, a notable shift from previous decades characterized by informal commerce, urban disorder, and security concerns.

The revitalization process, which began in 2015, has successfully reorganized informal trade that previously occupied public streets. This renewal has spurred substantial economic activity; the Historic Center Planning Authority (Aplan) reports that approximately USD 200 million in private investment has been directed toward new businesses, including restaurants and cafes. This is complemented by roughly USD 100 million in public funds used for urban projects, such as installing underground cabling to improve the visual landscape of streets and plazas.

Key tourist attractions in the revitalized zone include the National Library of El Salvador, which operates 24 hours a day, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Palace. The improved safety and infrastructure have encouraged pedestrians and cyclists to utilize spaces that were once avoided by many citizens.