Following the end of a highly destructive war, with tour pioneers counting on the rebirth of tourism in the country, Syria is slowly but surely also coming back to the world. The revolution that took place in Syria in December 2024 and the subsequent fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime is of historic proportion and unprecedented. For the first time since the civil war broke out, international airlines are back in Damascus, signifying a bonding of the conflict-affected country with the world. However, fears concerning stability and security remain.
A Land Steeped in History
Syria was one of the world’s top tourist destinations, welcoming more than 10 million visitors a year before the onset of the war. Palmyra, the ancient city of legend, and the Krak des Chevaliers, the medieval fortress, are “enduring” symbols of Syria’s cultural and historical heritage. They have each survived centuries of conflict. Despite the setbacks of the civil war and ISIS, the recovery and preservation of these sites have now started, with tourism viewed as the primary driver for economic growth.
The Ethics and Risks of Visiting Syria
Syria is on a path to opening up. However, Western countries are still issuing a warning against travel to Syria based on the high-security risks. The new transitional government, which is ruled by a coalition of rebels, is still weak, and problems dealing with governance and stability continue. The argument of self-preservation/food shortages and/or political uncertainty, as well as the question of what is the future of the country, is an interesting one.
Read More: Starbucks Sued by Missouri over Alleged Racial and Gender Bias
Despite these difficulties, travel agencies that are focused on unusual destinations are making plans, especially for history lovers. Regional providers think that the tourism industry of the country can be a vehicle for its economic recovery and shape its international image. However, the ethical considerations of visiting a country still fresh from peacekeeping are a matter of dispute.
A New Kind of Tourism
As opposed to pre-war guests who were eager to see Syria’s grand past, the recent history of conflict and resilience is what’s driving visitors to come there now.
Tours now include visits to former battlefields, bombed-out cities and even prisons once used by Assad’s regime. This ‘dark tourism’ trend is controversial but is seen as a way to educate the world about Syria’s past and the struggles of its people.
While uncertainty looms, Syrians like Ayoub Alsmadi, a Damascus-based tour operator, remain hopeful. “Tourism was the first to collapse in war, and it will be the last to recover. But it will return,” he shared. Whether Syria can sustain this revival remains to be seen, but for now, a new chapter in its history is being written—one that many hope will lead to lasting peace and prosperity.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates