Tartous, Sept. 4 (SANA) Local artisans and small businesses are taking center stage at the al-Qadmous Summer Festival in Tartous, northwestern Syria, where traditional crafts, rural products and cultural activities are drawing visitors and providing a boost to tourism and local commerce.
Now in its second season, the weeklong festival brings together handicrafts, artwork and locally produced goods alongside entertainment and family activities aimed at showcasing the heritage and tourism potential of Al-Qadmous.
Shaimaa Ismail, an artisan specializing in string art, said the festival had given her an opportunity to showcase her work and connect directly with visitors, with handmade products attracting particular interest.
She told SANA that events of this kind could provide valuable exposure for artisans and small businesses while encouraging consumers to support locally made products.
Visitor Siba al-Daliya said the variety of activities had made the festival an appealing destination for families and offered visitors a chance to discover crafts and products associated with the area.
She said the turnout and range of local exhibits were helping promote domestic tourism while highlighting Al-Qadmous’ cultural heritage.
Ahmad Nabhan, the owner of a company specializing in conferences and festivals, said the event was intended to stimulate tourism and economic activity by bringing entertainment, art, heritage, handicrafts and local products together in one program.
Participation by artisans, small businesses and rural and commercial enterprises has added an economic dimension to the festival, giving producers a platform to market their goods and engage directly with potential customers, Nabhan said.
He added that such initiatives could help draw attention to the distinctive cultural and tourism assets of communities across Syria.
The festival, which opened Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 7, features exhibitions of handicrafts, artwork and rural and locally made products, along with cultural and entertainment programs for families and other visitors.
T.S /ABD
