Home » El Salvador Travel News » El Salvador Sees Record Economic Gains and Tourist Influx as Shakira’s Concerts Take Center Stage, Proving the Power of Entertainment to Drive National Growth Published on
February 15, 2026El Salvador is experiencing an economic renaissance as Shakira’s highly anticipated Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour takes center stage in the country. The five-concert series, which has drawn record crowds from both local and international fans, is not only filling the Jorge “El Mágico” González National Stadium but also generating millions in revenue for local businesses. With hotels at full capacity, a surge in tourism, and thousands of jobs created across multiple sectors, the concerts have showcased the immense power of entertainment in driving national economic growth. This event underscores the growing potential for El Salvador to position itself as a key destination for international events, setting the stage for future opportunities in entertainment-driven tourism.The concerts, initially planned as a three-date event, quickly expanded due to overwhelming demand. With 135,000 attendees expected—comprising both locals and international tourists—El Salvador has become the focal point of entertainment in Central America. Fans from neighboring countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica have flocked to the country, elevating its status as a major entertainment destination.Tourism Surge Drives Significant Economic ImpactThe arrival of Shakira’s fans has triggered a major boost in the country’s hospitality and retail sectors. Hotels in San Salvador have seen a sharp rise in bookings, with many visitors opting for accommodations in nearby coastal areas and neighboring cities. The rapid growth in tourism has benefitted a variety of industries, including dining, transportation, and retail, as local businesses thrive on the influx of visitors.Advertisement AdvertisementThe economic impact of the concerts is projected to be around $55 million, a substantial increase from the original estimate of $25 million. This success highlights El Salvador’s potential to harness entertainment tourism as a strategic tool for economic development. The concerts have not only filled hotel rooms but also provided a vital boost to small businesses that rely on tourism for revenue.Job Creation Fuels Economic GrowthAdvertisementAdvertisementThe influx of concertgoers has also resulted in significant job creation. In total, 4,000 direct jobs have been generated for event production, security, logistics, and other concert-related services. In addition, another 7,000 indirect jobs have been created in sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.This …
