Istanbul, June 28 (SANA)Syria’sMinistry of Tourismparticipated in theTourismPrograms andUmrahServices Forum inIstanbulwith an official delegation led by AssistantMinister of TourismFaraj al-Qashqoush, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s engagement with regional tourism markets.

The forum, held on June 26 and 27, is one of the region’s leading events for the Umrah, travel and tourism industry, bringing together tourism companies, hotels, airlines and service providers from several countries.

Al-Qashqoush told SANA on Sunday that participation in international tourism exhibitions helps connect Syria’s tourism sector with regional and international business networks and creates opportunities to establish new partnerships with travel and tourism companies.

He said the ministry is working to support Syrian travel agencies by helping them access new markets and enhance their role in revitalizing tourism activity and promoting Syria as a competitive destination.

On the sidelines of the forum, the Syrian delegation held meetings with tourism companies, tour operators and industry representatives to discuss cooperation, exchange expertise and strengthen tourism links with regional markets.

The participation forms part of the ministry’s strategy to expand cooperation in religious and cultural tourism and promote investment opportunities in Syria’s tourism sector as recovery programs and tourism infrastructure development continue.