Volcanoes, beaches and ruins beckon

Visitors can join workshops to learn how to make handicrafts from wood, clay or natural fibers. They can also learn Mayan-style indigo dyeing.

Chinese tourists can transfer flights from the United States, Canada or Mexico to El Salvador.

A visa from any of these three countries enables them to apply for visas on arrival.

Melendez suggests Chinese tourists spend four or more days in El Salvador while visiting North America.

Trains link the country to neighboring nations like Guatemala. El Salvador hosts 770 hotels, including international brands, and over 400 guesthouses, Melendez says. She expects more in the future.

She says the ministry plans to advance infrastructure by improving coastal roads that connect hotels. It also plans to reduce taxes for overseas investment on hotels and infrastructure.