Damascus, June 7 (SANA) Syria’s Ministry of Tourism on Saturday launched the national program “Upgrading from the Ground Up” to modernize one- and two-star hotels across the country during an event at the Seven Gates Hotel in Damascus.
The program targets 332 hotels, including 224 two-star and 108 one-star establishments, according to ministry records released in January 2026.
The initiative aims to improve service quality, enhance safety and comfort standards, and provide better value for money in cooperation with the private sector. It includes financing on favorable terms through a partnership with the National Islamic Bank, with plans to expand funding sources, as well as technical support throughout the implementation process.
According to ministry documents released in January, the program forms part of the National Tourism Plan 2026–2030 and is based on field assessments of hotels that make up the largest share of affordable accommodation in Syria. Evaluation visits began in October 2025 and covered 31 hotels.
Officials said the initiative is intended to modernize the hospitality sector, strengthen competitiveness and support sustainable tourism recovery, adding that 2026 will be a key year for upgrading this category of hotels.
M.F / ABD
