Syria visitor numbers more than double as international arrivals surge

Syria witnessed a more than doubling of visitor numbers in the first half of 2026, with international arrivals increasing by nearly fivefold, according to Tourism Minister Mazen Al Salhani. From Arab countries, arrivals rose by 107 per cent, while Syrian diaspora visits grew by 75 per cent. Overall visitor numbers surged 111 per cent from 1.67 million in the first six months of 2025.

Minister Al Salhani emphasized that visitor numbers signify renewed confidence in Syria as a destination, urging the transformation of this confidence into investment, job creation, and long-term economic value. The tourism industry, battered by a decade of conflict and economic isolation, is being rebuilt with a focus on diversifying international markets beyond traditional neighbors. Growth is observed in Europe, North America, and the Gulf, alongside increasing returns from Syrian expatriates.

The Gulf, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is a key growth market due to proximity, cultural ties, and high outbound tourism spending. Syria is also regaining participation in international travel events and is investing in hotel development, infrastructure, and heritage sites to enhance visitor experiences. The government aims to quantify tourism's economic contribution by tracking visitor expenditure, stay duration, and related metrics.

Efforts are underway to restore air connectivity, with Gulf and European airlines resuming services, and the redevelopment of Damascus International Airport. International card payments are being reintroduced, with Mastercard and QNB facilitating the first transactions in over a decade. A future highlight will be the Syria Travel Show in Damascus, uniting stakeholders to promote the country's tourism potential.

The ultimate goal is to build a tourism sector that generates substantial economic value, not just restored numbers.