Syria bets on tourism revival, but visitor surge faces test of security, services

Syria is experiencing a resurgence in tourism, with the Tourism Ministry reporting 3.52 million visitors in the first half of 2026, a 111% increase from the previous year. This surge is largely driven by Syrian expatriates, though non-Arab foreign tourists also saw a significant rise. The government is banking on tourism to generate jobs and foreign currency, leveraging its numerous archaeological sites, ecotourism destinations, and religious locations. However, challenges remain, including inconsistent flight availability, the need for sustained security, and improvements in service quality, particularly digital booking systems. Authorities are addressing these issues by establishing a Tourism Police Department and organizing virtual refresher courses for tour guides to enhance visitor experience and safety. As one Kenyan tourist noted, "Today, the situation is more relaxed."