Damascus, July 17 (SANA)Syria and Lebanon discussed ways to expand tourism and investment cooperation during talks in Damascus between Syrian Tourism Minister Mazen al-Salhani and Lebanese Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat.

The two sides reviewed investment opportunities in Syria’s heritage hotels, the rehabilitation of historic buildings and their conversion into tourism facilities, as well as cooperation in the restaurant sector and measures to facilitate visitor movement between the two countries.

Al-Salhani invited Lebanon’s public and private sectors to participate in the “Syrian Travel Forum 2026,” stressing the importance of expanding tourism partnerships and investment opportunities.

The Lebanese side emphasized the need to translate the meeting’s outcomes into practical steps to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

In a statement to SANA, al-Salhani saidSyriaandLebanonhave complementary tourism assets that could allow them to develop competitive joint tourism routes.

“The next phase requires moving from coordination to implementing practical projects that enhance tourism activity and provide broader opportunities for investors in both countries,” he said.

The meeting followed talks on Wednesday between Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar and his Lebanese counterpart on strengthening economic and trade cooperation.