Ministry of Tourism: More than 3.5 million visitors to Syria during the first half of 2026

The Syrian tourism sector recorded unprecedented growth indicators and exceptional rates during the first half of 2026, driven by the rise in confidence in Syria as a promising tourist destination, and the increasing regional and international demand for visiting Syria. According to data from the Statistics Authority at the Ministry of Tourism, the total number of visitors from Syrians, expatriates, Arabs and foreigners increased to 3.52 million visitors, compared to 1.67 million visitors during the same period in 2025, achieving a total growth rate of 111 percent.

An Extraordinary Leap in International Tourism

Statistical data from the Ministry of Tourism  showed that international markets recorded the highest growth rates and cumulative increase during the first half of this year, as the number of foreign tourists increased to 719 thousand visitors, compared to 131 thousand during the same period of 2025, achieving an exceptional growth of 448 percent, which is the largest increase of its kind in the history of the sector in recent years.

Official reports issued by the ministry revealed that Turkey topped the list of global export markets for visitors and tourists, followed by the Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden, the United States of America, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The sources explained that these indicators reflect the expansion of the base of international markets and the growing interest of European and American visitors in the Syrian tourist destination and the restoration of its historical position on the global travel map.

Arab arrivals and expatriate flows grow

Syrian official estimates  confirmed that the  number of Arab tourists increased to 664,000, compared to 320,000 during the same period last year, with a growth rate of 107 percent.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan topped the list of Arab countries exporting visitors, followed by Lebanon and Iraq, in addition to recording a continuous and noticeable growth in the number of visitors coming from the Arab Gulf countries.

In the same context, the ministry indicated that the number of Syrian expatriates who visited the country reached 2.13 million visitors during the first half of 2026, compared to 1.22 million visitors in the same period of 2025, achieving a growth of 75 percent.

The reports indicated that these figures reflect the strong connection of expatriates to their homeland, and their pivotal role in supporting the local economy and conveying a realistic picture of the state of recovery.

Investment prospects and sustainable growth

Minister of Tourism Mazen Salhani said that the record growth in the numbers of Arab and foreign tourists explicitly confirms that the country is regaining its presence and position on the map of regional and international travel and tourism.

Minister Al-Salhani explained in a statement that the Syrian expatriates represent real ambassadors of their country in various countries of the world, stressing that restoring their confidence in the Syrian destination is the main and most important step towards enhancing the confidence of tourists and international companies.

Al-Salhani said  that this continuous rise in visitor flows opens the way for new investments in the hotels, hospitality and tourism services sectors, which supports the national economy and keeps pace with the increasing volume of demand.

The analytical readings accompanying the data stated that these indicators at the same time impose the need to accelerate the development of tourism infrastructure, increase the capacity of hotels and resorts, and raise the quality of services to ensure the sustainability of this growth and activate its economic contribution.