8.5 Million Tourists Pre-War (Pre-Conflict A proven tourism foundation ready for revival.
$6.3 Billion in Tourism Revenue (2010) More than 13% of GDP—once a top-earning sector.
2 Million Foreign Visitors in 2023 Momentum is building—mainly from Arab, diaspora, and heritage travelers.
6150 Miles of Undeveloped Coastline A hidden asset for luxury, eco, and seasonal resort development.
Syria has long been a crown jewel of the eastern Mediterranean—a country blessed with stunning geographic diversity, rich cultural traditions, and deep-rooted hospitality. From its 150 miles of unspoiled coastline along the Mediterranean Sea to its snow-dusted mountain ranges in the west, the country offers landscapes as varied as its history. Ancient cities like Damascus and Aleppo—among the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world—are filled with Roman streets, Ottoman palaces, Crusader castles, and Umayyad mosques. This is a place where millennia of architecture, art, and belief converge.
And then there is the food. Syrian cuisine is celebrated for its freshness, nutrition, and bold flavors—a blend of Levantine and Mediterranean traditions. From coastal fish dishes in Tartus to lamb and bulgur specialties in Aleppo, and from hand-rolled kibbeh to richly spiced mezze, Syria offers one of the most distinctive culinary cultures in the region. These are not just meals—they are experiences shared across generations.
Before the war, Syria’s hospitality sector was thriving. The country welcomed over 8.5 million international visitors annually, contributing US $6.3 billion to GDP—more than 13% of the national economy. Tourism centered around iconic destinations like Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, Bosra, and the Old City of Damascus, as well as religious pilgrimage sites and thriving coastal resorts. Cities like Latakia and Tartus had become summer escapes, while heritage hotels like Aleppo’s Baron Hotel and Damascus’s Four Seasons set new standards for elegance and service in the Levant.
The conflict disrupted this momentum. Historic hotels closed, and archeological treasures faced neglect or damage. Yet even during those years, Syria’s hospitality spirit never faded. Local restaurants kept kitchens open. Families turned homes into guesthouses. Tour guides pivoted to restoring artifacts. And now, as security improves and travel corridors reopen, the hospitality sector is stirring once more.
In 2023, over 2 million foreign visitors entered Syria—many from the diaspora, neighboring Arab countries, and heritage travel groups. Domestic tourism has also surged, with Syrians returning to the coast, mountains, and cultural centers for rest and celebration. Hotel occupancy rates in Damascus, Homs, and Tartus rose by more than 30%, and new investments are being explored in boutique hotels, wellness resorts, and destination dining.
The potential is enormous. Syria has:
Investment opportunities span:
A Sector Poised for Revival
Hospitality in Syria is not simply about rebuilding hotels—it’s about restoring connection. It is about reopening the gates to ancient cities, reviving the rituals of welcome, and offering the world something that cannot be replicated: authenticity, tradition, and depth. As Syria reclaims its place on the regional and global map, the hospitality sector becomes one of the most vivid signals of peace, normalcy, and national pride.
With infrastructure expanding, investor interest returning, and cultural assets unmatched in richness, the sector is not waiting to be rescued—it is waiting to be realized.
The opportunity now is to shape it—ethically, sustainably, and ambitiously.