In a strategic move to re-engage with the regional tourism market, the Syrian Ministry of Tourism has announced the launch of the inaugural Syria Travel Show 2026. The international platform for travel trade, hospitality investment, and tourism partnerships is scheduled to take place from April 14–16, 2026, at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus.
The event, organized in partnership with Mangusteen for Exhibitions and Conferences and SO Media, marks a significant step in Syria’s efforts to reposition itself within the rapidly expanding MENA tourism landscape.
Tapping Into Regional Momentum
The launch comes at a time of measurable growth for Syria’s tourism sector. Between January and November 2025, the country recorded 3.56 million visitors, an overall increase of 18%, with arrivals from Arab and other foreign countries rising by 80%. These figures signal strengthening regional confidence and a renewed demand for travel.
This local growth aligns with a broader regional trend. According to UN Tourism, the Middle East saw tourism growth of approximately 3% in 2025, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by nearly 39% and outperforming global averages. Against this backdrop, the Syria Travel Show is positioned to convert rising interest into structured market engagement.
A Platform For Structured Investment
The exhibition is designed as a focused B2B marketplace to facilitate investment and institutional partnerships. It will convene international tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality investors, and cultural tourism specialists to explore opportunities in key areas, including cultural and heritage tourism development, hotel investment, public-private partnerships, and community-based tourism models.
The event’s structure aims to convert visitor growth into long-term capital flows, supporting the recovery of the broader tourism ecosystem, from infrastructure and services to workforce development.
A Strategic Commitment To Sector Recovery
The government views the event as a cornerstone of its economic strategy, aiming to build a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
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.”
About Syria Travel Show
The Syria Travel Show is an international platform dedicated to the travel trade, hospitality investment, and tourism partnerships in Syria. Organized by the Syrian Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Mangusteen for Exhibitions and Conferences and SO Media, the event aims to reconnect Syria with the global tourism market and facilitate long-term investment in the sector’s recovery and growth.
Source: MEA TechWatch
