.Syria recorded a significant rebound in tourism during the first half of 2026, with visitor arrivals more than doubling compared with the same period last year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism
The country welcomed
3.52 million visitors between January and June 2026, up 111% from 1.67 million
arrivals in the first half of 2025.
Growth was driven by a
sharp rise in international tourism, with foreign visitor arrivals increasing
448% to 719,000, compared with 131,000 during the same period last year.
Turkey remained the
largest international source market, followed by Germany, Sweden, the United
States, the Netherlands, Canada and the United Kingdom, highlighting expanding
demand beyond neighbouring countries.
Arab tourism also
recorded strong growth, with arrivals from Arab countries rising 107% to
664,000.
Jordan was the largest
Arab market, followed by Lebanon and Iraq, while visitor numbers from Gulf
countries continued to increase.
The ministry
attributed the growth to rising interest in Syria’s cultural heritage, historic
sites and demand for authentic travel experiences.
Visits by Syrian
expatriates also contributed significantly, increasing 75% to 2.13 million
during the period, compared with 1.22 million in the first half of 2025.
The ministry said the
diaspora continues to play an important role in supporting tourism recovery by
strengthening international engagement and promoting awareness of Syria’s
cultural and tourism offerings.
Looking ahead, Syria
expects further tourism growth during the peak third-quarter season, supported
by improved air connectivity, the return of airlines, increased hospitality
investment, hotel development and a growing calendar of cultural events.
The government said
the sector’s expansion is creating wider economic opportunities across
aviation, hospitality, tourism services and investment, supporting its vision
of developing a tourism-led economy.
Mazen Al-Salhani, Syria’s Minister of
Tourism, said: "These figures mark an important shift in Syria's tourism
landscape. The return of visitors from across the region and around the world
reflects growing confidence in Syria as a destination and creates new momentum
for investment, hospitality and tourism services. Tourism is no longer only
about visitor numbers; it is becoming the foundation of a tourism-led economy
that creates jobs, attracts investment, strengthens local businesses and
deepens Syria's connections with regional and global markets."
Al-Salhani added: "Syria’s tourism
sector is entering a new phase of growth, supported by rising demand from
regional and international markets. This renewed interest in Syria as a travel
destination signals stronger confidence in the country’s tourism potential and
creates new opportunities for investment, hospitality and services. Beyond
visitor numbers, this momentum is positioning tourism as a key pillar of
sustainable economic development."
Al-Salhani concluded: "We are proud of
the significant increase in visits by Syrian expatriates. They represent far
more than a visitor segment; they are ambassadors for Syria around the world,
sharing the country they experience today with their families, communities and
international audiences. Every Syrian expatriate returning home has the
opportunity to share an authentic picture of Syria, and every personal
experience contributes to building confidence and strengthening Syria’s
position on the global tourism map." -TradeArabia News Service