The number of tourists in Syria more than doubled in the first half of 2026 to 3.52 million, compared with the same period last year, according to government data, as global and regional hotel and real estate groups move to enter the Syrian market or expand their operations there.
The total comprised 2.13 million Syrian expatriates, about 660,000 visitors from Arab countries and about 720,000 from other countries. Companies are betting on the country's historical attractions and coastal destinations, as well as the return of Syrians living abroad.
Multibillion-dollar real estate projects
UAE-based Eagle Hills signed a framework agreement with Syria on Monday covering two projects it plans to develop, one spanning 10 million square metres in Damascus and the other covering 4.3 million square metres in the coastal city of Latakia, without disclosing financial details.
Mohamed Alabbar, founder and chairman of Eagle Hills and chairman of Emaar Properties, said Emaar, which is working on a separate development project in Damascus, could also participate in the two projects, whose combined cost runs into billions of dollars. UAE-based property developer Arada said it plans to enter the Syrian market with a project costing seven billion dollars.
“Tourists will always keep coming there because this city (Damascus) is the oldest city in the world”
Hotel talks at an advanced stage
Duncan O'Rourke, Accor's chief executive for the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, said the French group was in advanced talks on two projects. U.S.-based Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is exploring opportunities in Damascus and at beach destinations.
Dimitris Manikis, Wyndham's president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “I am confident that we will announce very soon the first agreement we sign in Syria.” Amir Gholbargh, chief operating officer for Minor Hotels in the Middle East and Africa, said some buildings in Old Damascus could be converted into boutique hotels, alongside the possibility of building new projects.
Air links support the return of visitors
International flights and tourists began returning last year, with services available from Gulf airports, including Qatar Airways and flydubai flights. Etihad Airways announced on Wednesday that it would operate a daily flight to Damascus, increasing its weekly services from four to seven.
Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive of Etihad Airways, said last month that the airline could add more destinations depending on local support and customer demand.
Security challenges and travel warnings
The companies' moves come despite the extensive damage caused by the war to cities and archaeological sites, as well as continuing waves of violence. The United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in August, but the U.S. State Department still advises its citizens not to travel to the country.
