AGP Executive Report

TPS Update for Salvadorans: The Trump administration said it won’t end Temporary Protected Status for about 170,000 Salvadorans “for now,” but it’s still unclear if protections will be extended later—leaving families in legal limbo and raising concerns about expired work permits. Surf City Spotlight: El Salvador’s Surf City model is drawing international attention from tourism and investment experts, with visitors assessing how coastal development and tourism infrastructure can drive longer-term growth. Regional Health Access: El Salvador, with Saudi support, deployed three floating medical boats to serve remote Gulf of Fonseca islands, expanding care for thousands of residents. Tourism & Culture Events: Surf City El Salvador 2026 continues to blend sport and community activities, while St. Gabriel’s International Festival highlights multicultural food and performances (including El Salvador). Avianca Premium Upgrade: Avianca is rolling out new Insignia business-class suites on its 787s, signaling continued demand for higher-end travel routes. Immigration Pressure Abroad: In the U.S., unions in Las Vegas warn TPS changes could hit hospitality jobs that include many Salvadorans.

TPS & Work Permits in Limbo: With El Salvador’s TPS deadline looming, about 200,000 Salvadorans in the U.S. face uncertainty over whether protections and work authorization will continue, leaving families and jobs in limbo. Tourism Workforce Impact (U.S.): Las Vegas union leaders warn that if TPS ends, hospitality employers—from hotels to casinos—could lose thousands of workers, including long-time Salvadoran residents. Regional Health Access (El Salvador): El Salvador and Saudi Arabia are deploying three floating medical boats to serve remote Gulf of Fonseca communities, bringing doctors and supplies to thousands who struggle to travel for care. Education for Tourism & Innovation: UJMD launched its “Talent With Purpose” vision to align higher education with digital transformation needs, with Tourism Minister Morena Valdez highlighting curriculum updates for emerging industry demands. Surf City Momentum: Surf City El Salvador 2026 continues to draw international youth and families, with the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship pairing competition with chess and wellness activities. IMF-Linked Economic Optimism: Santander points to progress after an IMF staff-level deal as a path toward potential credit upgrades, citing stronger fiscal targets and tourism arrivals.

TPS Deadline for Salvadorans: Temporary Protected Status for about 200,000 Salvadorans in the U.S. was in limbo as a Sept. 9 deadline neared, with DHS saying it will announce a decision “at the appropriate time” and protections staying in place until then—though attorneys warn many work permits have already expired, leaving families in legal and job uncertainty. Surf City El Salvador 2026: The ISA World Junior Surfing Championship keeps building momentum in Surf City, with youth competition at La Bocana and El Sunzal plus added activities like chess for kids and wellness sessions for visitors and locals. Women-Travel Tourism Push: El Salvador launched its first international congress, “El Salvador: A Destination for Women,” bringing tourism businesses and women travelers together to spark partnerships and new growth ideas for the sector. Community Impact Abroad: In Las Vegas, union leaders warned that any loss of TPS could hit hospitality staffing and the broader tourism economy, including many Salvadoran workers.

El Salvador Tourism Boost: El Tunco hit 100% hotel occupancy as Surf City El Salvador 2026 hosted the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, drawing 400+ surfers from 56 countries and bringing families who are also fueling beach and culture excursions. Women-Led Travel Push: El Salvador launched its first international congress, “El Salvador: A Destination for Women,” bringing tourism businesses and women travelers together to spark partnerships and new growth ideas for the sector. Tourism Growth Numbers: El Salvador reported 3.24M international visitors Jan–Aug 2026 (+22% YoY) and $2.88B in tourism revenue (+12%), with strong arrivals from Guatemala and the U.S. Investment Climate for Tourism: El Salvador eased foreign investment rules via Invest reforms, approving $503.8M in corporate expansions and aiming to create specialized jobs—good news for future hospitality and tourism capacity. TPS Uncertainty (Diaspora Impact): In the U.S., Salvadorans’ Temporary Protected Status nears a decision point, leaving about 200,000 people in limbo—an issue that can ripple into travel, remittances, and family plans.

Women Travelers Congress: El Salvador Tourism hosted its first international congress, “El Salvador: A Destination for Women,” bringing tourism businesses and women travelers together to spark partnerships and new growth ideas. Surf Tourism Boom: El Tunco hit 100% hotel occupancy as Surf City El Salvador 2026 draws 400 surfers from 56 countries, with families also boosting demand for excursions and local attractions. Tourism Growth Numbers: MITUR reported 3.24M international visitors in Jan–Aug 2026 (+22% YoY) and $2.88B in tourism revenue (+12%), led by strong regional travel. Investment Push: El Salvador is easing investment rules via reforms to its Investment Expansion Promotion Law, lowering the minimum operation period and expanding tax incentives for large investors. Bitcoin Governance Update: The IMF says El Salvador’s latest Bitcoin purchases came from private donations, not public funds, and is pushing for stronger crypto asset governance. TPS Uncertainty for Salvadorans: Salvadorans in the U.S. are bracing for the loss of Temporary Protected Status as the program faces country-by-country dismantling, with fears of work authorization ending and deportations.

Tourism Boom: El Salvador’s Surf City El Tunco hit 100% hotel occupancy as the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship draws 400 surfers from 56 countries, with families boosting demand for excursions and local attractions. Visitor Growth: MITUR reports 3.24M international arrivals Jan–Aug 2026 (+22% YoY) and $2.88B in tourism revenue (+12%), led by a big jump in travelers from Guatemala and strong U.S. and regional demand. Investment & Jobs: El Salvador is easing foreign investment rules via reforms to the Investment Expansion Promotion Law, lowering the minimum operation period and expanding incentives for investors, with corporate expansions already authorized at $503.8M. Bitcoin Governance: The IMF says El Salvador’s recent Bitcoin accumulation came from private donations, not public funds, while pushing for stronger crypto asset governance and transparency. Travel Safety Signal: The U.S. issued El Salvador a Level 1 travel advisory, framing it as safer than Sweden. Immigration Pressure (TPS): Salvadorans in the U.S. face uncertainty as TPS for El Salvador is set to expire, with fears of losing work authorization and possible deportation.

Surf City Boom: El Tunco hit 100% hotel occupancy as the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship 2026 draws 400+ surfers from 56 countries, with families and supporters boosting coastal tourism and local excursions. Tourism Growth Watch: El Salvador reported 3.24M international visitors Jan–Aug 2026 (+22% YoY) and $2.88B in tourism revenue (+12%), with Guatemala driving much of the regional surge. Investment & Jobs: El Salvador eased foreign investment rules via Invest and approved reforms to the Investment Expansion Promotion Law, aiming to unlock more corporate expansions and specialized jobs. IMF & Bitcoin: The IMF confirmed El Salvador used private donations for recent Bitcoin buys and agreed to unlock a $140M tranche after governance and transparency commitments. Travel Policy Impact (US): The US Green Card Lottery DV-2026 excludes El Salvador among other countries, while TPS for Salvadorans is set to expire Sept. 9, adding uncertainty for travelers and diaspora plans.

Tourism Growth: El Salvador is being credited with a major travel surge, with MITUR reporting 3.24M international visitors from January–August 2026 (+22% YoY) and $2.88B in tourism revenue (+12%), driven by strong regional arrivals (especially Guatemala) and steady U.S. demand. Investment & Jobs: The country is also easing foreign investment rules via Invest and legislative reforms, authorizing $503.8M in corporate expansions and projecting 2,200 specialized jobs, with bigger tax benefits for large investors. IMF & Bitcoin Governance: The IMF says El Salvador’s latest $140M tranche can move forward after Bitcoin reforms, noting no public funds were used for BTC purchases and governance has shifted to a private operator. Tourism Product: El Salvador’s tourism push includes partnerships like a surf-and-education pilot in Jucuarán, aimed at blending visitor experiences with local learning. Travel Safety Signal: The U.S. issued a Level 1 travel advisory for El Salvador, described as safer than Sweden in the coverage.

Tourism Boom: El Salvador is cementing its status as Central America’s top travel draw, with MITUR reporting 3.24M international visitors from January–August 2026 (+22% YoY) and $2.88B in tourism revenue (+12%), fueled by stronger regional arrivals (Guatemala +44%) and steady U.S. demand. Investment Push: El Salvador is easing foreign investment rules via Invest reforms, including shorter minimum operation periods (10 to 5 years) and expanded benefits for investors putting at least $75M on the table—already authorizing $503.8M in corporate expansions. IMF & Bitcoin Clarity: The IMF says El Salvador’s Bitcoin reserve growth since June 2025 came from private donations, not public funds, clearing the way for a potential $140M tranche after staff-level agreement on the second and third reviews. Education & Exchange: UABCS enrolled 133 international students in 2026 (+46% vs 2021), with the U.S. supplying the largest share (51%). Tourism Tech Link: El Salvador’s Tourism Ministry partners with Waved on a surf-and-education pilot in Jucuarán, tying local experiences to skills development.

IMF & Bitcoin Funding: The IMF says it has cleared El Salvador’s Bitcoin compliance after receiving documentation that BTC added to government-linked wallets since June 2025 came from private donations—not public funds—unlocking a potential $140M tranche under its $1.4B loan program, with growth projections citing rising investment, remittances, and tourism. Tourism & Exchange Links: In the Philippines, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora held consultations and formalized sister-city cooperation that includes El Salvador, with cooperation spanning tourism, education, disaster resilience, and digital transformation. Health & Migration Pressure: A cross-border kidney crisis tied to Mesoamerican nephropathy is hitting Central American communities and migrants in the U.S., raising new concerns for workers and families who travel for jobs and care. TPS Uncertainty for Salvadorans: As U.S. Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador is set to end Sept. 9, Salvadoran community leaders warn of major disruption for families, work, and travel plans—an issue that also affects diaspora tourism and return travel. Safety & Travel Risk: A Salvadoran man facing U.S. charges after a wrong-way, impaired-driving crash in Maryland that killed a mother and daughter adds to the week’s travel-safety headlines.

IMF & Bitcoin Funding: The IMF says it reached a staff-level deal with El Salvador that could unlock about $140M after the country provided documentation showing its recent Bitcoin reserve growth since June 2025 came from private donations, not public funds—plus the IMF expects no further Bitcoin accumulation beyond what’s already documented, pending Executive Board approval. Tourism & Growth Outlook: The IMF also points to improving conditions, citing stronger performance and 4.5% projected 2026 growth, with tourism among the drivers. Local Governance & Tourism Links: In the Philippines, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora held consultations with Northern Mindanao and Caraga cities and formalized a sisterhood agreement that includes cooperation with El Salvador City on areas like tourism, education, disaster resilience, and digital transformation. Health & Cross-Border Travel Impact: A new report highlights mesoamerican nephropathy, a kidney disease affecting Central American workers at home and in the U.S., including cases tied to labor conditions—an issue that can shape travel, migration, and family plans for Salvadorans.

Sports & Tourism Spotlight: El Salvador kicked off the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship 2026 in La Libertad, with 428 athletes (ages 8–18) from 56 delegations competing through Sept. 13 at El Sunzaland and La Bocana—an event expected to bring hundreds of visitors and more global attention to the country’s surf scene. Travel Policy & Community Impact: In the U.S., Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador is set to expire Sept. 9, leaving Salvadorans uncertain and scrambling as protections are dismantled—an issue that also affects families, local businesses, and tourism-linked communities. Economy Watch for Travelers: The IMF reached a staff-level agreement that could unlock about $140M for El Salvador, tied to documentation that recent Bitcoin accumulation came from private donations (not public funds), while the IMF projects 4.5% growth in 2026—good news for investor confidence and the broader travel economy. Safety & Mobility: A Salvadoran man facing U.S. charges after a wrong-way, impaired-driving crash in Maryland killed a mother and daughter, underscoring ongoing risks for cross-border travelers and families. International Connectivity: Spanish carrier Iberojet says it will add El Salvador (SAL) service from Barcelona and Madrid starting Sept. 2026, signaling stronger Europe-to-El Salvador flight options for visitors.

IMF & Bitcoin: The IMF says El Salvador’s recent Bitcoin reserve growth since June 2025 was funded by private donations—not public money—clearing the way for a staff-level deal that could unlock about $140M (pending Executive Board approval). Tourism & Sports: El Salvador kicked off the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship 2026, bringing 428 athletes to La Libertad through Sept. 13 and reinforcing the country’s push to host major international events. Local Development: El Salvador launched TREVO, an $80M mixed-use project in Antiguo Cuscatlán with two 15-story towers and an estimated 2,000 jobs, signaling continued private investment in the metro area. Travel Safety Context: A U.S. DHS/ICE detainer case tied to an El Salvador national accused in a deadly wrong-way DUI crash in Maryland is drawing attention to immigration and public-safety issues affecting Salvadorans abroad.

IMF & Bitcoin: El Salvador’s Bitcoin reserve story just got clearer: the IMF says the country’s recent BTC accumulation since June 2025 was funded by private donations, not public money, and that no further additions beyond the documented donations are expected—unlocking about $140M once the IMF Executive Board signs off. Tourism & Sports: Surf City El Salvador is hosting the 2026 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in La Libertad, with 428 athletes (ages 8–18) from 56 delegations running through Sept. 13—another big international draw for El Salvador’s coastline. Travel Safety Signal: The U.S. now lists El Salvador at Level 1 (“normal precautions”), citing major declines in gang violence and homicides since 2022, strengthening its tourism image. Aging & Accessible Tourism: The IDB and local partners launched “El Salvador 2050” to improve inclusion and skills for travelers and workers 50+, aligning with the Surf City tourism strategy. New Routes: Spanish carrier Iberojet says it will add El Salvador (SAL) from Sept. 2026, serving it from Barcelona and Madrid. Local Development: Antiguo Cuscatlán’s TREVO project (about $80M) is set to create around 2,000 jobs with mixed-use towers.

IMF & Economy: The IMF says it has reached a staff-level deal to unlock about $140M for El Salvador, after confirming the country’s latest bitcoin buys were funded by private donations (not public money), while projecting 4.5% GDP growth in 2026. Travel Safety Signal: The U.S. has placed El Salvador at Level 1 (“normal precautions”), citing a sharp drop in gang violence since 2022—an image boost for tourism. Surf Tourism Spotlight: El Salvador kicked off the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship 2026 in La Libertad, with 428 athletes (ages 8–18) competing through Sept. 13. Tourism for All Ages: The IDB and Agrisal’s Crecenta hub hosted “El Salvador 2050,” aiming to improve skills and financial access for people 50+ as tourism grows. Coastal Youth Program: Mitur and Waved launched a three-month Surf City pilot at Punta Mango (Jucuarán) blending ocean safety, conservation, English, and life skills for 94 students. Infrastructure & Jobs: Antiguo Cuscatlán’s TREVO project (about $80M) is set to create around 2,000 jobs with two 15-story towers and mixed-use plans.

Tourism Spotlight: El Salvador’s El Imposible National Park just landed on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of seven “wonders” to visit in 2026, putting the country’s waterfalls, cloud forests, and rare wildlife (including pumas) on a global travel radar. Surf & Youth Development: The Tourism Ministry (Mitur) teamed up with Waved for a three-month Surf City pilot at Punta Mango beach in Jucuarán, mixing ocean safety, marine conservation, English support, and surfing skills for students. Inclusive Tourism Workforce: El Salvador and the IDB backed efforts to build a senior-friendly tourism approach while expanding an inclusive workforce—aimed at better serving high-value international travelers. Security & Travel Perception: The U.S. upgraded El Salvador to a Level 1 travel advisory (“exercise normal precautions”), citing a major drop in gang violence since 2022—another boost for tourism confidence. Local Growth: In Antiguo Cuscatlán, the TREVO project launched with $80M investment and about 2,000 jobs, adding modern mixed-use development near the capital.