Shakira has once again set an unprecedented milestone in entertainment history. In a massive and extraordinary response, all three dates of her Central America residency sold out within 24 hours of official ticket sales opening on December 17.
“Our residency in Central America is off to the right start! Incredible to know all three shows are sold out. I’ll be bringing new surprises. See you soon, my dear Central America!” shared Shakira.
Users on social media reported high demand during the ticketing process, with virtual wait times of up to four hours.
- Ticket prices ranged from $45 to $275.
Economic and cultural impact
The event will bring together over 82,000 people and is projected to generate an estimated $25 million in economic impact. Around 4,000 direct jobs and 7,000 indirect jobs will be created, primarily in logistics, security, transportation, commerce, and tourism.
“We are ready to welcome Central America to San Salvador,” said Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez. With the February 12, 14, and 15 dates sold out, the Jorge “Mágico” González National Stadium will host visitors from Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, boosting hotel occupancy and regional economic activity.
Valdez confirmed projected hotel occupancy at 100% in San Salvador during the concert dates, driven by strong demand and regional travel.
Entertainment experts say that Shakira’s regional residency will reshape the live events industry in Central America.
At a time when the entertainment industry is seeking new growth models, Shakira proves that music can catalyze real economic development, particularly in regions where cultural tourism has lacked global visibility.
The residency in Central America, with El Salvador as the host country, opens a path for other artists to reimagine touring by exploring emerging markets with measurable and sustainable benefits. With this strategy, music positions itself as an engine of economic development, supported by concrete figures on tourism, employment, and consumption, redefining how large-scale shows can be integrated into long-term development strategies.
Photo Credit: Nicolás Gerardin
