Syria receives 3.52M visitors in the first half of 2026 – Report
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s tourism sector is witnessing a sharp recovery, with visitor numbers rising faster than the country’s hospitality infrastructure can accommodate, creating opportunities for Gulf investors, Arabian Business reported.
According to figures from the Ministry of Tourism cited by Arabian Business, Syria received 3.52 million visitors in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase from 1.67 million during the same period last year.
International arrivals surged 448 percent to 719,000, compared with 131,000 in the first six months of 2025. Visitors from Arab countries increased 107 percent to 664,000, while visits by Syrian expatriates rose 75 percent to 2.13 million.
Turkey was the largest international source market, followed by Germany, Sweden, the U.S., the Netherlands, Canada and the UK. Jordan led Arab markets, followed by Lebanon and Iraq, while arrivals from Gulf countries continued to grow.
Tourism Minister Mazen al-Salhani said Syria has fewer than 20,000 hotel rooms, with nearly 60 percent classified as one- or two-star properties. Hotels in Damascus and coastal destinations are already experiencing high occupancy during peak periods, he told Arabian Business.
“Syria represents one of the region’s most significant emerging tourism investment opportunities because demand is growing faster than supply,” al-Salhani said.
The country recorded more than 4.09 million visitors in 2025, as authorities sought to revive the tourism sector after years of conflict and isolation.
Gulf airlines, including flydubai, Air Arabia, flynas, Qatar Airways, Jazeera Airways and Etihad Airways, have resumed or launched services to Syria, improving regional connectivity.
Gulf developers, including Emaar, MAG and Al Habtoor, have announced plans or explored opportunities in tourism and real estate.
Projects include the $300 million Beaumont mixed-use development in Damascus and the proposed Qasioun Journey tourism destination.
The redevelopment of Dama Rose, Syria’s largest hotel, under a 25-year build-operate-transfer agreement, is also expected to strengthen the hospitality sector.