Syria Opens Its Doors to Global Investors at the 2026 Syria Travel Show—The Country’s Most Important Tourism Event in Decades

Published on February 26, 2026

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Syria is officially stepping back into the international tourism arena with the launch of the Syria Travel Show 2026, a strategic business-to-business (B2B) platform designed to revitalise the country’s tourism industry. The event will take place from April 14 to 16, 2026, at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus, marking a significant milestone in Syria’s post-conflict recovery. The exhibition aims to foster global partnerships, attract investments, and strategically reposition Syria’s tourism sector within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

A New Chapter for Syrian Tourism

The launch of the Syria Travel Show 2026 signals a turning point for the country’s tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by years of conflict. In an effort to rebuild the industry, Syria has partnered with Mangusteen for Exhibitions and Conferences and SO Media to facilitate this transformative event. Unlike consumer-facing fairs, this event is a B2B marketplace tailored to connect international travel operators, agencies, hospitality investors, cultural tourism experts, and media representatives.

This shift toward a more focused, investment-driven platform is designed to facilitate key partnerships, destination promotion, and development strategies. It offers an opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate on long-term, sustainable tourism growth rather than simply targeting short-term visitor increases. By emphasising B2B dialogue, the event seeks to engage international stakeholders who can contribute to the country’s rebuilding efforts.

Syria’s Growing Tourism Sector

The timing of the event is crucial, as Syria’s tourism industry has shown promising signs of growth. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the country recorded 3.56 million visitors from January to November 2025. This figure includes Syrian nationals, Arab visitors, and international tourists. This represents an 18% overall growth compared to previous years, with a significant 80% increase in Arab and foreign arrivals. These figures are a testament to the demand for cross-border travel and indicate a positive shift in international perception of Syria as a safe and welcoming destination.

Regionally, the Middle East has seen substantial growth in tourism. As reported by UN Tourism data, the region recorded an approximate 3% growth in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly 39%. Within this context, Syria’s rising visitor numbers reflect a broader regional trend that is set to continue as the country repositions itself as a leading cultural and heritage destination in the MENA region.

Strategic Focus on Cultural and Heritage Tourism

The Syria Travel Show 2026 is specifically designed to highlight the country’s rich cultural and heritage offerings. Syria is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Palmyra and the historic Umayyad Mosque in Damascus. The show’s programme will focus on cultural tourism development, which is crucial to the long-term sustainability of the sector. In addition to cultural tourism, there will be an emphasis on hospitality and hotel investment, public-private partnerships, community-based tourism models, and regulatory frameworks that align with global tourism standards.

Tourism stakeholders attending the event will have the opportunity to engage in discussions surrounding sector modernisation, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. This reflects Syria’s broader vision to move beyond merely increasing visitor numbers and focus on building a robust, sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Infrastructure and Services for Sustainable Growth

Syria’s tourism recovery efforts are not just about attracting more visitors, but also about investing in the country’s infrastructure and services. The Syria Travel Show 2026 aims to create long-term capital flows and institutional partnerships to support sustainable growth. The focus will be on strengthening the tourism ecosystem, from transportation and accommodation to visitor services and cultural experiences.

The event will bring together key players in the travel and tourism industry to discuss the best ways to modernise Syria’s tourism infrastructure. This includes ensuring that the country’s services are aligned with global standards, providing a seamless travel experience for visitors, and fostering a sustainable approach to tourism development.

Moreover, the Syria Travel Show 2026 presents an opportunity to rebuild the country’s workforce, ensuring that local communities are trained and empowered to be part of the tourism revival. By investing in human resources, Syria is laying the groundwork for a tourism sector that benefits both the economy and its people.

A Vision for the Future of Syrian Tourism

Syria’s participation in the international tourism marketplace is a bold move that underscores the country’s commitment to rebuilding and modernising its tourism sector. The Syria Travel Show 2026 is not just an event, but a pivotal moment for the country’s future in the global tourism industry. It signals the beginning of a new era for Syrian tourism, one that is built on investment, partnerships, and sustainable growth.

While the past decade has been challenging, the future of Syrian tourism is bright. The Syria Travel Show 2026 serves as a platform for international collaboration, helping Syria re-establish itself as a prime destination for cultural, heritage, and adventure tourism in the Middle East. With its rich history, unique cultural assets, and growing tourism infrastructure, Syria is poised to once again become a key player in regional and international travel.

Syria’s return to the global tourism market is a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. The Syria Travel Show 2026 offers a unique opportunity for international stakeholders to engage in meaningful partnerships that will shape the future of Syrian tourism. By focusing on cultural tourism, investment in infrastructure, and sustainable development, Syria is positioning itself as a top destination in the Middle East. As the country continues to rebuild and redefine its tourism sector, the Syria Travel Show 2026 will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in its long-term success.