- Visitor Arrivals Surpass 3.5 Million, Rising 111% in the First Half of 2026
- Syria Advances Towards Building an Integrated Tourism-Led Economy as Confidence and Visitor Demand Continue to Grow
- Growing Visitor Demand Is Positioning Tourism as a Key Driver of Investment and Economic Growth
Syria recorded a 111% increase in visitor arrivals during the first half of 2026, with 3.52 million visitors arriving in the country compared with 1.67 million during the same period in 2025, according to recent figures released by the Ministry of Tourism.
The growth was driven by a 448% increase in international tourist arrivals, while visitor arrivals from Arab countries rose 107%, reflecting stronger regional and international demand for Syria as a travel destination and supporting the country’s vision of building an integrated tourism-led economy.
Commenting on the results, Syria’s Minister of Tourism, Mazen Al-Salhani said: “These figures mark an important shift in Syria’s tourism landscape. The return of visitors from across the region and around the world reflects growing confidence in Syria as a destination and creates new momentum for investment, hospitality and tourism services.
He added: “Tourism is no longer only about visitor numbers; it is becoming the foundation of a tourism-led economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, strengthens local businesses and deepens Syria’s connections with regional and global markets.”
Foreign Tourism Drives Growth
International tourist arrivals reached 719,000, up from 131,000 during the first half of 2025.
Turkey was the largest source market for international visitors, followed by Germany, Sweden, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada and the United Kingdom. The expansion of source markets indicates that demand is extending beyond neighbouring countries into European and North American markets.
Arab visitor arrivals also increased to 664,000, compared with 320,000 during the same period last year. Jordan ranked as the largest Arab source market, followed by Lebanon and Iraq, while arrivals from Gulf countries continued to grow.
The figures reflect growing demand from regional and international markets, which the ministry attributed to growing interest in Syria’s cultural and heritage sites, as well as increasing demand for authentic travel experiences.
Syrian Diaspora Supports Tourism Recovery
Visits by Syrian expatriates increased 75% to 2.13 million during the first half of 2026, compared with 1.22 million during the same period last year.
The ministry said the rise highlights the growing role of the Syrian diaspora in strengthening international engagement with the country, as first-hand experiences help shape perceptions, influence travel decisions and introduce global audiences to Syria’s cultural and tourism offerings.
Al-Salhani commented: “We are proud of the significant increase in visits by Syrian expatriates. They represent far more than a visitor segment; they are ambassadors for Syria around the world, sharing the country they experience today with their families, communities and international audiences. Every Syrian expatriate returning home has the opportunity to share an authentic picture of Syria, and every personal experience contributes to building confidence and strengthening Syria’s position on the global tourism map.”
Tourism Sector Outlook
As Syria enters the peak tourism season during the third quarter of 2026, indicators point to stronger performance in the months ahead, supported by expanded air connectivity, the continued return of airlines, rising demand for hospitality services, accelerated investment in hotels and tourism projects, and a diverse calendar of festivals and cultural events across the country.
Al-Salhani said: “Syria’s tourism sector is entering a new phase of growth, supported by rising demand from regional and international markets. This renewed interest in Syria as a travel destination signals stronger confidence in the country’s tourism potential and creates new opportunities for investment, hospitality and services. Beyond visitor numbers, this momentum is positioning tourism as a key pillar of sustainable economic development.”
With these developments, Syria is preparing for one of its most active tourism seasons in recent years, reinforcing its position as an emerging regional destination for tourism and investment. The sector’s growth is extending beyond visitor numbers, generating momentum across the wider tourism ecosystem, from aviation and hospitality to investment and visitor services, in line with the ministry’s vision of building an integrated tourism-led economy and strengthening tourism’s role as a major driver of economic growth.
