Damascus, Jan. 28 (SANA) More than 3.5 million Arab and foreign tourists, along with Syrian expatriates, have visited Syria since liberation through the end of last November, according to data released by the Syrian Ministry of Tourism.
Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Salihani told SANA Wednesday, that the figures reflect a renewed regional and international interest in Syria as a cultural and heritage tourism destination, noting that this momentum provides a solid foundation for attracting Arab and European investment, particularly in air transport and sustainable tourism.
Al-Salihani said domestic tourism has recorded a noticeable improvement, driven by citizens’ confidence in security conditions and services, as well as the return of cultural and heritage activities across various provinces. He added that this improvement contributes to sustaining tourism activity and stimulating local investment.
In terms of tourism investment, the minister said local labor accounts for 70 percent of the workforce in new investment contracts aimed at developing and rehabilitating dozens of hotels and tourist resorts across the country. He added that profits from hotels owned by the Ministry of Tourism have reached 170 percent.
Tourism is considered one of the key sectors of the Syrian economy, given the country’s rich historical, archaeological, cultural and natural assets.
The Ministry of Tourism has placed special emphasis in the post-liberation phase on revitalizing the sector through infrastructure improvements, expanded investment, and enhanced domestic and international promotion, in a bid to support economic recovery, create jobs and achieve sustainable development.
Al-Salihani had previously said that tourism was the fastest-recovering sector since liberation, demonstrating its ability to rebound during the first year. He added that the full lifting of the Caesar Act last December would expand opportunities to attract investment and facilitate tourist arrivals, strengthening Syria’s presence on the regional and international tourism map.
R.H
