Feature: El Salvador rides waves to a better future with Surf City initiative
Through Surf City, El Salvador has demonstrated how a sport can serve as the engine of economic growth and social transformation. Today, the country has not only secured its place on the global surfing map, but is also riding the waves to a better future.
by Jose Gabriel Martinez and Douglas Martinez
SAN SALVADOR, June 21 (Xinhua) -- At first light, dozens of surfers were already in the water off El Salvador's El Tunco beach in the town of La Libertad. The powerful waves draw both young and old, locals and foreigners alike, who glide along together, united by their passion for surfing.
The El Tunco beach, along with El Zonte and Punta Roca on the country's Pacific coast, is well known worldwide for its consistent waves and lush landscapes, and stands at the center of the Salvadoran government's Surf City initiative, which began to be implemented in 2019.
In addition to attracting professional and amateur surfers, Surf City promoted the economic revitalization of coastal communities through sustainable tourism and job creation, which have allowed El Salvador, once plagued by insecurity and violence, to position itself as a world-class tourism destination for surfing.
VALUE IN WAVES
Being much more than a recreational activity, surfing is a powerful tool for national transformation, said Salvadoran Tourism Minister Morena Valdez.
"When I saw how tourists came despite the potential danger, I realized the differentiating value this country has," she told Xinhua, adding that the value also motivated Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to adopt Surf City as a state policy.
"The first step was to put the house in order: roads, electricity, drinking water, sanitation and public tourism infrastructure. Then, we trained human resources and strengthened the productive social fabric in coastal communities," said Valdez.
"We have opened four shopping centers in Surf City. There are not only hotels and restaurants, but also pharmacies, spas, hardware stores ... everything the tourism industry needs," said the minister.
The results have been overwhelming. In La Libertad alone, Surf City's star attraction, 67,000 formal tourism-related jobs as well as some 300,000 indirect jobs have been created. Data also showed that 70 percent of foreign tourists arriving at the Central American country's international airport headed directly to the beaches.
El Salvador has succeeded in becoming a benchmark for professional surfing, being the only stop in Latin America on the 2025 World Surf League Championship Tour, Valdez said.
For El Salvador, surfing is more than hosting competitions, the minister stressed. "Surf City is the anchor project, but we connect it with volcanoes, towns, lakes and gastronomy. The new generations seek to reconnect with nature and tradition, and that's what we're promoting," she said.
Development through surfing has also had a positive impact on national pride, the minister said. "Before, many were not proud of being Salvadoran because of crime or gangs. Now they are, and that is evident."
Official data revealed a record-breaking 3.9 million visitors in 2024, which alone brought more than 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in foreign currency. El Salvador has shown that the power and passion of surfer culture can be harnessed to reactivate communities.
TANGIBLE TRANSFORMATION
Residents also affirmed that surfing has increased tourism and revolutionized the economy by creating jobs and enhancing public security.
"There have been more jobs. It is a huge benefit for the people in the area," said Amelia Hernandez, owner of a restaurant on El Tunco Beach. "When I started 30 years ago, there were only three restaurants. Now there are about 150. There has been enormous growth."
Hernandez acknowledged the support of the state in the transformation. "The government has not left us by ourselves. They are always attentive. We have worked together well, and that has helped our businesses grow," she said.
Armando Marquez, owner of Surf Cafe and a local surfing promoter, said the transformation has boosted both the economy and the sense of security. "Our beaches were unsafe before, with gangs, but now people work in peace, and there are opportunities for the locals," Marquez said.
"Surf City has brought hope to coastal residents. The locals are the ones who have noticed the change the most, from living in poverty and violence to having jobs and being able to get ahead. It is a project that has transformed lives," he said.
Fatima Delgado, manager of a local surfboard factory in El Salvador, has also noted the rise in El Salvador's global reputation as a surfing haven through her business. Her company has become part of a new value chain that leads from manufacturing to international trade.
"We are exporting boards, and that generates technical and specialized jobs. Every board in the water is an opportunity to undertake, to grow, to dream big," she said.
On El Salvador's beaches, young people used to trade guns for surfboards, and uncertainty has given way to business plans. Nowadays, the country's international image has undergone a positive transformation. A phrase runs through the tourist sites along the Central American country's coastline, summarizing this transformation: "Where there are waves, there is life."
Through Surf City, El Salvador has demonstrated how a sport can serve as the engine of economic growth and social transformation. Today, the country has not only secured its place on the global surfing map, but is also riding the waves to a better future.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Canada News.Net
7 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
Xinhua Headlines: How upgrading China-South Asia economic and trade cooperation bolsters regional development
* The expo has fostered economic and trade cooperation between China and South Asian countries, providing steady momentum for regional growth and injecting greater certainty to the global economy. * While consolidating cooperation in traditional fields, China and South Asian countries have expanded cooperation in emerging fields, such as new energy, photovoltaics, electric vehicles, digital technology and cross-border e-commerce, to achieve complementary advantages. by Xinhua writer Wu Yan COLOMBO/KUNMING, June 21 (Xinhua) -- At the 9th China-South Asia Expo held in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Sri Lankan businessman U.A. Ajith showcased more than just his products. Shifting his focus from individual coconut shell crafts to developing a comprehensive coconut industry chain, Ajith's business transformation exemplifies the broader evolution of the expo, from a platform of display to one that fosters deep industrial integration, green innovation and regional coordination. The expo has fostered economic and trade cooperation between China and South Asian countries, providing steady momentum for regional growth and injecting greater certainty to the global economy. WIN-WIN COOPERATION Launched in 2013, the expo has grown in both size and scope. This year's event, with Sri Lanka as the country of honor, welcomed participation from 73 countries, regions and international organizations, and brought together over 2,500 enterprises from across South and Southeast Asia. The number of pavilions has expanded from six to 16, with nearly 70 percent now dedicated to professional sectors such as manufacturing, green energy, the coffee industry and traditional Chinese medicine. In 2024, trade between China and South Asia reached nearly 200 billion U.S. dollars, doubling over the past decade with an average annual growth rate of 6.3 percent, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce of China. China has maintained its status as the largest trading partner for countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. South Asian products, from Nepalese cashmere and Afghan lapis lazuli to Indian jewelry and Sri Lankan tea and spices, continue to find favor among Chinese consumers. To further support South Asian exports, China has taken concrete steps, including launching joint research initiatives with Pakistan, promoting seafood exports from the Maldives, and establishing trade groups with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. "China's willingness to import more high-quality goods and services is encouraging for Sri Lankan producers, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, apparel, and wellness products," said Prasad Wijesuriya, general secretary of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association, adding that the strengthening of trade ties with China reinforces their confidence in a shared future built on mutual benefit, fairness and global cooperation. While consolidating cooperation in traditional fields, China and South Asian countries have expanded cooperation in emerging fields, such as new energy, photovoltaics, electric vehicles, digital technology and cross-border e-commerce, to achieve complementary advantages. "China's development in green technology is a beacon for us. By sharing knowledge and investing in sustainable projects, we can create jobs, protect our environment, and ensure our economies thrive for generations," said Ahmed Nazim, deputy speaker of the People's Majlis of the Maldives. SHARED OPPORTUNITIES Amid the rising global challenges of unilateralism and protectionism, the expo reflects China's commitment to openness and its support for the multilateral trading system. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha stated that the expo symbolizes shared opportunities among the economies of China, South Asia and ASEAN, aiming for harmonious, sustainable and inclusive common development. "The expo plays a vital role in developing regional partnerships and strengthening economic ties between South Asian countries. In today's interconnected world, such initiatives are crucial for the welfare and prosperity of nations," said Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, an acting deputy prime minister of Afghanistan's interim government. Beyond the expo, China continues to deepen ties with South Asian countries in other ways. The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement came into effect this year, and negotiations are underway to upgrade the investment agreement with Bangladesh. China has also granted zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for the least developed countries in South Asia, including Nepal, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, offering them better access to the vast Chinese market. China remains committed to high-level opening up and is advancing Chinese modernization through high-quality development, a process that will create valuable opportunities for cooperation with countries around the world, including those in South Asia, according to China's Vice Minister of Commerce, Yan Dong. "China's strategy to expand high-level opening up -- by lowering trade barriers, improving market access, and fostering innovation -- has not only benefited its own economy but also created valuable opportunities for developing nations like Sri Lanka," said Wijesuriya. He highlighted that, despite global headwinds, China has continued to lower tariffs, promote fair trade, and engage in regional cooperation platforms, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, thereby supporting economic recovery globally and offering Sri Lanka a dependable partner in weathering economic challenges. "By defending free trade, promoting connectivity, and expanding inclusive development, China is helping to bring greater stability and certainty to a fragile global economic landscape," said Wijesuriya.
Canada News.Net
7 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
Feature: El Salvador rides waves to a better future with Surf City initiative
Through Surf City, El Salvador has demonstrated how a sport can serve as the engine of economic growth and social transformation. Today, the country has not only secured its place on the global surfing map, but is also riding the waves to a better future. by Jose Gabriel Martinez and Douglas Martinez SAN SALVADOR, June 21 (Xinhua) -- At first light, dozens of surfers were already in the water off El Salvador's El Tunco beach in the town of La Libertad. The powerful waves draw both young and old, locals and foreigners alike, who glide along together, united by their passion for surfing. The El Tunco beach, along with El Zonte and Punta Roca on the country's Pacific coast, is well known worldwide for its consistent waves and lush landscapes, and stands at the center of the Salvadoran government's Surf City initiative, which began to be implemented in 2019. In addition to attracting professional and amateur surfers, Surf City promoted the economic revitalization of coastal communities through sustainable tourism and job creation, which have allowed El Salvador, once plagued by insecurity and violence, to position itself as a world-class tourism destination for surfing. VALUE IN WAVES Being much more than a recreational activity, surfing is a powerful tool for national transformation, said Salvadoran Tourism Minister Morena Valdez. "When I saw how tourists came despite the potential danger, I realized the differentiating value this country has," she told Xinhua, adding that the value also motivated Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to adopt Surf City as a state policy. "The first step was to put the house in order: roads, electricity, drinking water, sanitation and public tourism infrastructure. Then, we trained human resources and strengthened the productive social fabric in coastal communities," said Valdez. "We have opened four shopping centers in Surf City. There are not only hotels and restaurants, but also pharmacies, spas, hardware stores ... everything the tourism industry needs," said the minister. The results have been overwhelming. In La Libertad alone, Surf City's star attraction, 67,000 formal tourism-related jobs as well as some 300,000 indirect jobs have been created. Data also showed that 70 percent of foreign tourists arriving at the Central American country's international airport headed directly to the beaches. El Salvador has succeeded in becoming a benchmark for professional surfing, being the only stop in Latin America on the 2025 World Surf League Championship Tour, Valdez said. For El Salvador, surfing is more than hosting competitions, the minister stressed. "Surf City is the anchor project, but we connect it with volcanoes, towns, lakes and gastronomy. The new generations seek to reconnect with nature and tradition, and that's what we're promoting," she said. Development through surfing has also had a positive impact on national pride, the minister said. "Before, many were not proud of being Salvadoran because of crime or gangs. Now they are, and that is evident." Official data revealed a record-breaking 3.9 million visitors in 2024, which alone brought more than 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in foreign currency. El Salvador has shown that the power and passion of surfer culture can be harnessed to reactivate communities. TANGIBLE TRANSFORMATION Residents also affirmed that surfing has increased tourism and revolutionized the economy by creating jobs and enhancing public security. "There have been more jobs. It is a huge benefit for the people in the area," said Amelia Hernandez, owner of a restaurant on El Tunco Beach. "When I started 30 years ago, there were only three restaurants. Now there are about 150. There has been enormous growth." Hernandez acknowledged the support of the state in the transformation. "The government has not left us by ourselves. They are always attentive. We have worked together well, and that has helped our businesses grow," she said. Armando Marquez, owner of Surf Cafe and a local surfing promoter, said the transformation has boosted both the economy and the sense of security. "Our beaches were unsafe before, with gangs, but now people work in peace, and there are opportunities for the locals," Marquez said. "Surf City has brought hope to coastal residents. The locals are the ones who have noticed the change the most, from living in poverty and violence to having jobs and being able to get ahead. It is a project that has transformed lives," he said. Fatima Delgado, manager of a local surfboard factory in El Salvador, has also noted the rise in El Salvador's global reputation as a surfing haven through her business. Her company has become part of a new value chain that leads from manufacturing to international trade. "We are exporting boards, and that generates technical and specialized jobs. Every board in the water is an opportunity to undertake, to grow, to dream big," she said. On El Salvador's beaches, young people used to trade guns for surfboards, and uncertainty has given way to business plans. Nowadays, the country's international image has undergone a positive transformation. A phrase runs through the tourist sites along the Central American country's coastline, summarizing this transformation: "Where there are waves, there is life." Through Surf City, El Salvador has demonstrated how a sport can serve as the engine of economic growth and social transformation. Today, the country has not only secured its place on the global surfing map, but is also riding the waves to a better future.
Canada News.Net
7 hours ago
- Canada News.Net
Economic Watch: Bank of England shows "dovish" stance, may cut interest rates by another 50 basis points
Despite high inflation, the Bank of England chose to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged and still revealed a clear "dovish" stance on both the voting breakdown and the contents of its meeting minutes. by Xinhua writer Zhang Yadong LONDON, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Bank of England (BoE) announced on Thursday that it will keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25 percent, a decision that was highly consistent with market expectations. On one hand, inflation in Britain remains above the BoE's 2 percent target. According to data released by Britain's Office for National Statistics, the CPI for May was 3.4 percent. The BoE predicted that the CPI could rise further to 3.7 percent by September. On the other hand, intensified regional conflicts -- including those involving Israel and Iran -- could disrupt global supply chains, potentially triggering upward pressure on British domestic inflation. Given these reasons, the BoE continues to adopt a cautious "wait and see" stance regarding its monetary policy. However, what surprised the market was that despite high inflation, the bank chose to keep rates unchanged and still revealed a clear "dovish" stance on both the voting breakdown and the contents of its meeting minutes. The vote was notably divided. Among the nine members of the Monetary Policy Committee, three voted to cut rates by 25 basis points, while six supported holding rates steady. This suggests that calls for easing monetary policy are becoming more prominent within the BoE. Comparing this with the meeting in May reveals a shift: back then, two members supported a 50 basis point cut, two supported holding rates, and five voted for a 25 basis point cut. In the meeting in early May, the CPI figures for April and May had not yet been released. But by the time of the meeting in June, the CPI for April (3.5 percent) and May (3.4 percent) were both known. Despite these elevated inflation figures, three members still voted for a 25 basis point rate cut, further highlighting the bank's dovish tilt. The dovish stance is even more evident in the meeting minutes. The BoE acknowledged that inflation risks remain, both domestically and internationally. However, it also emphasized Britain's weak economic growth and a softening labor market, suggesting that the inflationary pressures may not be sustainable. Previous data showed that Britain's GDP shrank by 0.3 percent month-on-month in April. At the same time, the labor market continued to weaken. The unemployment rate in April rose to its highest level in nearly four years. According to data released on June 10, the unemployment rate for February to April 2025 increased to 4.6 percent, higher than both a year ago and the previous quarter. Although employee wages are still growing, the rate of increase has slowed due to weak hiring demand. From February to April, regular pay (excluding bonuses) rose by 5.2 percent year-on-year, and total pay (including bonuses) increased by 5.3 percent, both lower than market expectations. Institutional analysts have also interpreted the BoE's tone as dovish. Anna Leach, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, noted that while the meeting minutes mention two-sided risks to inflation, the overall tone suggests waning concern about rising inflation. The bank emphasized progress in bringing down inflation over the past two years and pointed to stabilizing inflation expectations. Alpesh Paleja, deputy chief economist at the Confederation of British Industry, said that the BoE sees diminishing price pressures and increasing downside risks to inflation, particularly in the labor market. Given this dovish stance, markets widely expect at least two more rate cuts from the BoE in the second half of this year, potentially lowering the base rate to 3.75 percent by year-end. Leach said that even though the bank maintains a "gradual and cautious" approach, a further 50 basis point cut this year seems likely. Paleja added that the pause on Thursday was just a "brief stop" in an ongoing rate-cutting cycle. He predicted that the BoE could cut rates three more times, bringing the base rate down to 3.5 percent by early next year.
