The Ministry of Tourism has announced a strong rebound in Syria’s tourism sector during 2025, signaling a structural shift toward sustainable and internationally connected growth.
According to Mazen Al Salhani, Minister of Tourism, arrivals of Arab and foreign tourists increased by 80 percent between January and November 2025, compared with the same period in 2024. Total visitor numbers, including Syrians, Arabs and foreign nationals, rose 18 percent, reaching 3.56 million. The minister said the recovery reflects more than economic momentum, highlighting renewed confidence among travelers and a restored perception of Syria as a safe, culturally rich destination.
International and Arab arrivals surge
Visitors from non-Arab countries reached 376,726, marking a 79 percent year-on-year increase. Furthermore, growth was led by Turkey (up 1,063 percent), followed by Germany (up 174 percent), the United Kingdom (up 155 percent) and Norway (up 151 percent). These upward trends point to a shift from regional travel toward broader international demand. Arab tourist arrivals rose from 272,844 to 491,028, an increase of 80 percent, with Jordan, the GCC countries and Egypt accounting for the largest share. Significantly, this rise coincided with a decline in non-tourism border crossings, underscoring tourism’s expanding role in national recovery.
Longer seasons and stronger domestic travel
Tourism performance in 2025 showed a more balanced seasonal pattern. The first quarter averaged 54,000 Arab and foreign visitors per month, followed by a 40 percent increase from April to June. August accounted for 14 percent of total annual arrivals, while October recorded a 15 percent increase compared with September, confirming an extended tourism season beyond summer. Moreover, domestic tourism strengthened throughout 2025, driven by improved safety perceptions, expanded hospitality capacity and revived cultural and heritage programming. Furthermore, this contributed to higher hotel occupancy across multiple governorates. Revenues generated by international hotels owned by the ministry had increased by 170 percent by the end of October. New investment partnerships require a minimum 70 percent local workforce, with priority given to graduates of tourism and hospitality institutions.
Strategy for sustainable growth
The ministry has adopted a long-term development framework through the 2026-2030 Tourism Strategy, focused on cultural preservation, investment attraction and regional cooperation. Implementation began in 2025 with new tourism projects, signed investment agreements and the resolution of stalled developments. Moreover, medical tourism is a key pillar of diversification, projected to generate up to USD 500 million annually by 2030 and create more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Investment pipeline and global re-engagement
The Ministry reported that 1,468 tourism establishments across Syria require redevelopment or reactivation, presenting a significant pipeline for local, regional and international investors. Syria has also reestablished its presence on the global tourism stage through participation in major international events and renewed cooperation with Arab and international tourism organizations.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, tourism investors have committed 2 percent of profits to social initiatives, including funding orphan care facilities and rehabilitating three shelters over the next three years, aligning sector growth with inclusive community development.
