The Syrian Ministry of Tourism said the total number of Syrian, Arab, and foreign visitors reached 3.52 million in the first half of 2026, compared with 1.67 million during the same period last year, representing growth of 111%.
In a statement reviewed by Enab Baladi, the ministry attributed the “exceptional” growth recorded in 2026 to rising confidence in Syria as a tourism destination and increased regional and international demand for visits.
The ministry said the figures confirm the central role of Syrian expatriates in its strategy to strengthen confidence in the country as a destination. It considers them the group best placed to share their experiences with international markets and help establish an image of Syria as a tourism destination regaining its appeal.
Foreign Tourist Numbers Grow by 448%
The number of foreign visitors recorded “exceptional” growth, rising to 719,000 from 131,000 during the same period in 2025, an increase of 448%.
According to the ministry, this performance reflects growing international interest in Syria as a tourism destination and the country’s gradual return to the global travel map, driven by increased demand for cultural and heritage tourism and authentic experiences.
Turkey topped the list of countries sending visitors, followed by Germany, Sweden, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The ministry said this reflects the expansion of Syria’s international visitor base and a gradual shift in demand from neighboring markets toward higher-value European and North American tourism markets, increasing the economic impact of the recorded growth.
Arab Visitor Numbers Rise by 107%
The number of Arab visitors increased by 107%, reaching 664,000 compared with 320,000 during the same period last year.
Jordan topped the list of Arab markets sending visitors, alongside Lebanon and Iraq, while the number of visitors from Gulf countries continued to grow. According to the ministry, this indicates not only expanding Arab demand for Syria as a destination, but also growing investment opportunities in hospitality and tourism. It said hotel capacity, facilities, and tourism services must be developed to keep pace with the increase.
Arrivals by Syrian expatriates rose to 2.13 million visitors during the first half of 2026, compared with 1.22 million during the same period in 2025, representing growth of 75%.
Markets Respond to Confidence
Tourism Minister Mazen al-Salhani said the record growth in the number of Arab and foreign tourists confirms that markets are responding to confidence and that Syria is regaining its presence on the regional and international travel and tourism map.
“Today, this growing demand is no longer reflected only in visitor traffic. It is also generating new investment opportunities in hotels, hospitality, and tourism services, helping build an integrated, tourism-led economy that meets the aspirations of the next phase.”
Commenting on the growth in Syrian arrivals, al-Salhani said Syrian expatriate visitors represent more than simply a category of tourists. He described them as Syria’s ambassadors around the world and the first to share their experiences with their families and communities. Restoring Syrians’ confidence in their homeland, he added, is the first step toward consolidating global confidence in Syria as a tourism destination.
As the sector enters the peak tourism season during the third quarter of 2026, the ministry said indicators point to stronger performance in the coming months. It cited expanded air connections, the continued return of airlines, increased demand for hospitality services, accelerating investment in hotels and tourism projects, and a full calendar of tourism events and festivals across the country’s governorates.
In light of these figures, Syria is preparing for what is expected to be one of its most active tourism seasons in recent years. The ministry said this would strengthen the country’s position as a promising regional destination for tourism and investment. It added that the sector’s growth is no longer limited to visitor numbers, but extends across the tourism system, from aviation and hospitality to investment and services, as part of its vision to build an integrated, tourism-led economy and establish tourism as a major driver of economic growth and investment.
3.5 Million Visitors During the Previous Year
The ministry had previously said that the number of Arab and foreign tourists and Syrian expatriates arriving in Syria between December 8, 2024, and the end of November 2025 exceeded 3.5 million.
The ministry said Syria’s tourism sector experienced a strong recovery in 2025. According to official figures received by Enab Baladi, total visitor numbers increased by 18%, foreign visitor numbers rose by 79%, and the number of Arab and foreign tourists grew by 80%. The figures also showed a notable expansion across Arab, European, and other international markets.
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