Syria tourism up 80% as foreign visitors return, ministry says

Tourism to Syria rose sharply in 2025, with arrivals of Arab and foreign visitors increasing 80 per cent year-on-year, as the country recorded a rebound in travel following what the government described as improved stability.

Arab and foreign arrivals reached 867,743 between January and November 2025, up from 483,029 a year earlier, according to data released on Wednesday by Syria’s Ministry of Tourism. Total visitor numbers, including Syrians, rose 18 per cent to 3.56 million, with authorities expecting the figure to reach 4 million by year-end.

Mazen Al Salhani, Syria’s tourism minister, said the rise reflected “a strategic recovery extending beyond the economic domain”, pointing to renewed interest from both regional and international travellers.

European visitors drive foreign rebound

Foreign visitor numbers rose 79 per cent to 376,726, led by a sharp increase from Europe and neighbouring countries, ministry data showed.

Arrivals from Turkey increased more than tenfold, while visitors from Germany rose 174 per cent, the United Kingdom 155 per cent and Norway 151 per cent.

The ministry said the return of travellers from Western and Northern Europe marked a shift from predominantly regional flows to broader international demand, supporting renewed interest in hospitality, aviation and heritage tourism.

Arab arrivals rise across region

Arab visitor numbers climbed 80 per cent to 491,028, with the largest increases recorded from Jordan, Egypt and Gulf countries, according to the Directorate of Immigration and Passports.

Officials said the rise coincided with a decline in non-touristic, border-related entries, indicating a shift towards leisure and purpose-driven travel.

Domestic tourism and seasonality

Domestic tourism also strengthened during 2025, supported by higher public confidence, expanded hospitality facilities and the revival of cultural and heritage programmes, the ministry said.

Tourism activity became more evenly spread across the year. Monthly arrivals averaged around 54,000 Arab and foreign visitors in the first quarter, rising 40 per cent between April and June. August remained the peak month, accounting for 14 per cent of total arrivals, while October recorded a 15 per cent increase over September.

Revenues and investment plans

Revenues from international hotels owned by the Ministry of Tourism rose 170 per cent by the end of October, according to official figures.

Under new investment partnerships, at least 70 per cent of the workforce must be locally employed, with priority given to graduates of tourism and hospitality institutions affiliated with the ministry.

The government has adopted a 2026-2030 tourism strategy aimed at attracting local and foreign investment while balancing economic, social and environmental goals. Medical tourism is projected to generate up to $500 million annually by 2030 and create more than 20,000 jobs, the ministry said.

Authorities estimate that 1,468 tourism establishments across Syria require redevelopment or reactivation, representing a pipeline for future investment.

Syria has also resumed participation in international tourism forums, including the UN Tourism General Assembly and regional industry events, as it seeks to re-establish its position in the global tourism system.