Syria takes spotlight at World Travel Market in London
Syria will restore most of its 3,000 archaeological and historical landmarks within a decade as it seeks to become one of the best holiday destinations in the Mediterranean, its Tourism Minister said on Tuesday. Famous archaeological sites – from the ruins of Palmyra to Crac des Chevalier, the Crusader citadel – lured poets, artists and adventurers to the region for centuries. But tourism in…
Syria is aiming to restore most of its 3,000 historical landmarks within the next decade to become a top holiday destination in the Mediterranean, according to its Tourism Minister Mansour Abulhoul. The civil war that has raged for 13 years has halted tourism in the country, but efforts are underway to revive the industry. At the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, the Syrian pavilion showcases a humble representation of the country's devastated economy, but the relative stability following the 2024 removal of former president Bashar Al Assad allows for significant investment in tourism.
New luxury hotels, including one above Damascus connected by cable cars to the city, are in the works, and the Beaumont in Mayfair, London, will open a branch in Damascus. However, two challenges remain: securing investments despite international banking sanctions being lifted, and convincing Western governments to downgrade their travel warnings.
The Syrian government is also pushing for connections to Lebanon and Jordan to create a regional tourist route. Lebanon's Tourism Minister Laura Lahoud hopes new infrastructure, such as an airport in northern Tripoli, will boost travel to the country.
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