Syria Announces Major Hospitality Project in Kafr Sousa, Damascus to Boost their Tourism Infrastructure and Attract Investment Growth

Published on January 7, 2026

The Syrian Ministry of Tourism announced the completion of official contracts with Rotana Star Contracting as well as Westfield Sons, marking the launch of an ambitious project for integrated hospitality and tourism development within the Kafr Sousa district, in the heart of Damascus. The project comes within a wider strategy of the Syrian Ministry of Tourism to develop the tourism infrastructure, promote private investments, and create iconicprojects to raise the competitiveness of the Syrian capital as a tourist destination.

This project has been designed as a holistic hub, aiming to offer a full range of world-class hospitality, retail, and operational services to create a completely immersive experience for the visitor. The destination is a mixed-use complex, incorporating a five-star hotel (previously known as Mövenpick Hotel) as well as a service mall known as Mall Alarab, which will become Syria’s biggest service mall when completed, located in Damascus.

A Comprehensive, Integrated Development for Damascus

The new tourism development in Kafr Sousa will offer more than just hotel accommodations and retail spaces. The project will also include dedicated leisure areas and supporting service facilities, creating an integrated environment that maximizes functionality and enhances the overall visitor experience.

Planned with modern urban and architectural standards, the project is designed to meet international benchmarks. An international hotel management company will operate the five-star hotel, ensuring high-quality services that align with global hospitality standards. This approach is in line with the Ministry’s efforts to improve the visitor experience and increase hotel capacity in the city, supporting Damascus’s positioning as a top-tier urban tourism destination.

Fostering Economic Growth and Public-Private Partnerships

The development project is strategically located in the heart of Damascus, further aligning with the Ministry’s goal of stimulating tourism-driven economic activity. By partnering with private sector entities such as Rotana Star Contracting and Westfield Sons, the Ministry aims to not only enhance hospitality and commercial services but also create a sustainable investment landscape for the long term.

Mazen Al Salhani, the Minister of Tourism, emphasized that this project is a significant step toward attracting high-quality tourism investments to Syria. The project reflects the government’s commitment to supporting effective public-private partnerships that bring international expertise to the country’s tourism sector. Al Salhani also highlighted the Ministry’s focus on fostering a regulatory environment that ensures both operational excellence and sustainability.

A Long-Term Investment with Global Standards

In a statement, Yusuf Senkeri, Co-Founder and Director of Westfield Sons, described the project as a long-term investment opportunity, reflecting a strong partnership with public authorities. Senkeri reiterated their commitment to delivering the project in line with global best practices, further enhancing Damascus’s tourism and commercial services. He noted that the development will bring tangible value to the sector and support the city’s long-term growth.

Moaaz Alkafri, Founder of Rotana Star, highlighted the team’s focus on ensuring that the project is delivered according to the approved timeline. Alkafri emphasized that the development would aim to attract international hospitality and retail brands, building a fully integrated destination that offers both shopping and leisure experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Phased Development for Faster Economic Returns

The tourism development will be implemented according to a phased development schedule, which will allow for partial operation of completed components as they become ready. This phased approach aims to accelerate economic returns while maintaining the integrity of the overall project.

The land for the development is owned by the Damascus Governorate and will be developed under a structured investment agreement, reinforcing the principles of public-private partnerships and ensuring the optimal use of public assets to support sustainable tourism and economic development in Syria.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hospitality and Tourism Development in Damascus

This significant development in Kafr Sousa marks a turning point for Damascus as it seeks to establish itself as a leading destination for both tourism and investment. The five-star hotel and Mall Alarab will help the city tap into new tourism markets, providing high-end accommodations and diverse commercial offerings to meet the needs of both local residents and international visitors.

As Syria continues to recover and rebuild, the success of this project will set the stage for future tourism development in Damascus and across the country. By enhancing the hospitality sector, attracting private investment, and establishing global service standards, Syria will create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both local communities and international travelers.

The Kafr Sousa development serves as a blueprint for future projects that can attract high-quality international investments, creating a competitive and vibrant tourism sector in Syria. This new development reflects a growing trend in global tourism, where cities and nations are investing in integrated urban tourism projects that combine hospitality, retail, and leisure to create immersive experiences for all visitors.

A Sustainable Future for Damascus’s Tourism Sector

The establishment of such a project that combines the concept of tourism and hotel services at this point in Damascus represents a step towards the future of tourism in the country. The public and private joint sectors that the project adopts and the establishment of global standards of service will ensure that the future is ripe for such developments.

As Damascus increasingly emerges as a leading tourist destination in the world, developments such as Kafr Sousa will play an important role in further increasing tourist attractions in the city for visitors worldwide. In this way, through the adoption of modern urban development concepts along with excellent tourist services, this project promises to be an economic boom for Syria in the tourism arena.