Syria Sees Broad-Based Recovery in Tourism Arrivals in 2025

RIYADH — Syria’s tourism sector recorded a significant recovery in 2025, with arrivals from Arab and foreign countries rising by around 80 percent, supported by improved security conditions and policy changes that have encouraged cross-border travel and renewed investment interest, according to official figures. The Ministry of Tourism said total visitor numbers, including Syrian nationals, rose 18 percent year on year to 3.56 million between January and November. The rebound follows more than a decade of conflict that severely damaged infrastructure and curtailed international travel, eroding what had once been a major tourism market. The recent growth is occurring amid a shifting regional environment and changes in travel and mobility patterns. Tourism Minister Mazen Al-Salhani said the increase reflects a broader recovery rather than a short-term rebound. “This is not only the reactivation of tourism flows, but a deeper strategic recovery extending beyond the economic domain,” he said in a statement. He added that renewed interest from Arab travelers in particular reflects “a transition toward organized, civilian-driven mobility and a restored perception of Syria as a safe, attractive, and culturally rich destination.” Prior to the conflict, Syria attracted approximately 8.5 million visitors in 2010, highlighting the scale of the tourism market the country aims to rebuild as arrivals recover from a significantly lower base. UN Tourism said the Middle East remained the strongest-performing global region in 2025 compared with pre-pandemic 2019 levels, reflecting the broader recovery in international travel and airline capacity across the region. Ministry data showed that arrivals from non-Arab countries reached 377,000 during the first 11 months of 2025, an increase of 79 percent from the same period in 2024. Growth was led by visitors from Turkiye, up 1,063 percent, followed by Germany at 174 percent, the United Kingdom at 155 percent, and Norway at 151 percent. Al-Salhani said the return of Western and Northern European travelers signals a shift toward more diversified international demand, providing a foundation for investment in hospitality, aviation, and sustainable tourism infrastructure. Arab tourist arrivals increased from 273,000 to 491,000, representing an 80 percent rise. The strongest growth came from Jordan, Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and Egypt. The ministry said the increase coincided with a decline in non-tourism, border-related entries, indicating a move toward purpose-driven travel and a growing role for tourism in Syria’s wider economic recovery.