Daraa, April 26 (SANA) The historic city of Bosra al-Sham is experiencing a renewed tourism movement after years of decline, with a growing number of visitors returning to explore its archaeological landmarks and cultural heritage.
Abdullah al-Miqdad, head of the Bosra al-Sham City Council, told SANA that the recovery reflects improving stability in the region, describing the city as the cultural heart of southern Syria and a destination of global significance due to its extensive archaeological sites.
He said more than 50 foreign tourist groups have visited the city since the beginning of the year, typically in small groups, while domestic tourism has gained momentum since early April, driven largely by school trips and family visits from different governorates.
Local authorities, in coordination with antiquities departments, have intensified efforts to maintain the site, including improving cleanliness, providing informational materials, and monitoring tourism-related services such as restaurants and souvenir shops to ensure fair practices and a comfortable visitor experience.
Raafat al-Faouri, commander of the tourist police patrols, said regular patrols are deployed to secure tourist movements, protect archaeological sites, and guide visiting groups through the old city without disrupting their experience.
Visitors and organizers highlighted the city’s significance as an open-air museum. Bilal al-Masri, head of the Doroubna Foundation affiliated with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, said Bosra remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world, noting that many visitors are discovering it for the first time after years of absence.
Bosra al-Sham, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, includes more than 45 archaeological landmarks, among them its well-preserved Roman theater, citadel, mosques, and monasteries. The city is also witnessing a revival of traditional crafts and local heritage products, contributing to the broader recovery of tourism activity.
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