Syria Positions for Regional Tourism Growth with Launch of Syria Travel Show 2026 in Damascus
Damascus to host international B2B platform as visitor numbers reach 3.56 million and regional tourism growth accelerates
The Ministry of Tourism of Syria has announced the launch of the inaugural Syria Travel Show 2026, a dedicated international platform for travel trade, hospitality investment and tourism partnerships, taking place from 14–16 April 2026 at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.
The event is organised in strategic partnership with Mangusteen for Exhibitions and Conferences and SO Media, marking a significant step in Syria’s repositioning within the Middle East and North Africa tourism landscape.
The launch comes amid measurable sector momentum. Between January and November 2025, Syria recorded 3.56 million visitors, including Syrians, Arab nationals and international travellers, marking overall growth of 18%, with Arab and foreign arrivals rising by 80%. The figures reflect strengthening regional confidence and renewed travel demand.
Regionally, tourism continues to outperform global averages. According to UN Tourism, the Middle East recorded growth of approximately 3% in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by nearly 39%.
Against this backdrop, Syria Travel Show 2026 is positioned as a focused B2B marketplace designed to facilitate investment, partnerships and destination reintroduction.
A Platform Designed for Structured Market Engagement
The exhibition will convene international tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality investors, cultural tourism specialists and media representatives, with a strong emphasis on:
- Cultural and heritage tourism development
- Hospitality and hotel investment
- Public-private partnerships
- Community-based tourism models
- Regulatory dialogue and sector modernisation
The event is structured to convert visitor growth into long-term capital flows and institutional partnerships, while supporting broader tourism ecosystem recovery including infrastructure, services and workforce development.
Leadership Perspective
H.E. Mazen Al Salhani, Minister of Tourism, stated: “Syria Travel Show 2026 reflects our commitment to positioning tourism as a structured economic driver. The growth in visitor numbers demonstrates tangible momentum, and our focus now is on building sustainable partnerships that translate demand into investment, employment and institutional reform. This exhibition serves as a gateway for serious stakeholders seeking long-term engagement in Syria’s tourism landscape.”
Faraj Al Qashqoush, Deputy Minister for Hotel Affairs and Quality, added: “Syria offers rare depth in cultural, geographic and historical assets. As regional tourism expands, our objective is not merely to participate in that growth, but to contribute to it meaningfully. With the gradual recovery of infrastructure and sector services, Syria is steadily emerging as a diversified tourism destination within the region.”
A Strategic Step in Sector Repositioning
Syria Travel Show 2026 builds on Syria’s recent international engagement, including participation at FITUR in Madrid, where renewed interest from international operators and investors was recorded.
The April exhibition will further institutionalise that momentum by creating a dedicated marketplace inside Syria — aligning visitor demand with structured investment pathways.
Registration for exhibitors, sponsors and international delegates is now open at
www.syriatravelshow.com
