In Old Damascus, tour guide Raslan Ramadan has resumed leading visitors through historic sites like the Umayyad Mosque and traditional markets after a prolonged hiatus due to security concerns. Recent months have seen a notable increase in visitor numbers, with Syria reportedly welcoming 3.52 million tourists in the first half of 2026, a 111% rise from the previous year. However, the fluctuations in tourism are attributed to factors such as flight availability and the overall security situation. Syrian authorities are focusing on boosting tourism as a means to generate jobs and foreign currency rapidly, leveraging the country’s wealth of archaeological sites and ecotourism destinations. While the influx of visitors includes many Syrian expatriates, the government seeks to revitalize traditional tourism as it rebuilds the sector post-conflict.
Why It Matters
Syria is home to over 4,500 archaeological sites and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a significant location for global tourism. The increase in visitor numbers reflects a shift in the country’s security landscape since the fall of the Assad regime, which has encouraged more foreign and expatriate travel. Despite the challenges in fully restoring the tourism industry, the government is prioritizing this sector to expedite economic recovery. The data indicates a growing interest in Syria’s cultural and historical offerings, which could play a crucial role in the nation’s long-term economic rehabilitation.
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