Damascus, Jul. 21 (SANA)— Syria’s tourism sector recorded significant growth during the first half of 2026, with the total number of visitors, including Syrian expatriates, Arabs and foreigners, reaching 3.52 million, compared with 1.67million during the same period last year, marking a 111% increase.

According to theStatistics Authorityat the Ministry of Tourism, foreign tourist arrivals recorded the highest growth rate, rising to 719,000 visitors compared with131,000 in the first half of 2025, an increase of 448%.Türkiye ranked first among source markets,followed by Germany, Sweden, theUnited States, the Netherlands, Canada and the United Kingdom, reflecting the expansion of Syria’s international tourism markets beyond neighboring countries toward European and North American markets.

The numberof Arab tourists also increased to 664,000, compared with 320,000 during the same period last year, representing a 107% growth. Jordan topped the list of Arab source markets, followed by Lebanon and Iraq, along side continued growth in visitors fromGulf countries. 2.13 Million SyrianExpatriate Visitors

The authority said the number of Syrian expatriate visitors reached 2.13 millionduring the first half of 2026, compared with 1.22 million in the same period of2025, marking a 75% increase.It highlighted the central role of expatriates in the ministry’s strategy to strengthen confidence in Syria as a tourism destination, describing them as key contributors to promoting the country’s image abroad.Tourism MinisterMazen Al-Salhanitold SANA that Syrian expatriates represent more than just a visitor group, describing them as “Syria’s ambassadors around the world” who help convey their experiences to families and communities abroad.He added that the rise in Arab and foreign tourist numbers reflects Syria’s return to the regional and international tourism map, creating new investment opportunities in hotels, hospitality and tourism services, while supporting the national economy.The Ministry of Tourism said the growing visitor movement highlights the need to expand hotel capacity, develop infrastructure and improve tourism services to meet rising demand.R.H/MZN