Honduran tourism faces scrutiny as thousands travel to El Salvador

During the Semana Morazánica holiday, a significant number of Honduran tourists have traveled to El Salvador, sparking political controversy in Honduras. Migratory data shows that over 43,500 Hondurans had entered El Salvador by October 8, surpassing the total for the same period in 2025. El Salvador expects to receive more than 58,000 Honduran visitors throughout the holiday period.

In Honduras, Liberal Party deputies, including Álex Berríos, have called for the Minister of Tourism, Andrés Ehrler, to account for the effectiveness of national tourism promotion policies and the use of public funds. Critics argue that the exodus of travelers suggests issues with domestic security, high prices, electricity shortages, and infrastructure. Minister Ehrler defended the movement, stating that citizens have the right to choose destinations based on their economic means and noted that Honduras remains competitive.

Despite the outflow to El Salvador, domestic tourism in Honduras shows mixed results. Minister Ehrler reported high hotel occupancy in the western corridor between Siguatepeque and Copán Ruinas, as well as high demand in Tela and the Bay Islands, with approximately 250,000 people mobilized within the country. Meanwhile, security forces have deployed over 20,000 personnel to transport terminals and tourist areas to ensure safety, and consumer protection authorities have conducted inspections in Tegucigalpa hotels to remove expired products.