Damascus, July 1 (SANA) Syrian ministers and investment officials highlighted investment opportunities in the transport and tourism sectors on Wednesday during the Syrian-British Business Council (SBBC) conference, saying infrastructure development, regional connectivity and tourism investment will play a key role in supporting the country’s economic growth.
Speaking at the conference in Damascus, Minister of Transport Yarub Badr said Syria’s geographic location has historically served as a strategic link between trade routes connecting East and West.
Badr said Syria has a central road network linking major cities, ports and airports that supports trade and economic activity. He added that strengthening regional cooperation and developing transport networks with neighboring countries are essential to advancing economic integration.
During a panel discussion at the conference, Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani said improved stability in recent months has contributed to an increase in tourist arrivals, particularly during the holiday season.
Al-Salhani said hotel occupancy rates and tourist arrivals have increased by 150 percent to 200 percent compared with the same period last year, describing the figures as a positive indicator of renewed confidence in Syria’s tourism sector.
He added that the ministry is working to revive a number of hotel projects that have remained stalled since 2006 as part of new investment plans.
Also speaking during the panel discussion, Talal al-Hilali, director general of the Syrian Investment Authority, said tourism is among the country’s fastest-growing sectors, citing Syria’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Al-Hilali said Syria has long been a destination for visitors interested in history and archaeology and noted that significant investment opportunities exist in hotels, resorts and tourism infrastructure.
F.J./ABD
