Several global and regional hotel groups are looking to enter or expand in Syria, senior executives told Reuters, betting that its rich history and coastal destinations will attract overseas tourists as well as Syrians who have long lived abroad.
Reuters – Although Syria's devastating civil war, which left cities and archaeological treasures in ruins, ended almost two years ago, major challenges remain in drawing tourists back to the Middle East country, which still experiences bouts of violence.
While the US removed Syria in August from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, which had deterred investors, the State Department still advises US citizens not to travel there.
Nevertheless, international flights and tourists began to return last year. Syrian state news agency SANA, citing government data, reported that tourist numbers more than doubled year-on-year in the first half of 2026 to 3.52 million.
Eagle Hills, which is planning a 10 million square metre development in Damascus and a 4.3 million square metre project in coastal Latakia, signed a framework deal for the two projects with Syria on Monday, without disclosing financial details.
Western groups are also actively examining opportunities in Syria, which is getting better connected with flights from Gulf hubs, including services from Qatar Airways and flydubai.
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways could add more destinations depending on local support and customers' appetite, its CEO Antonoaldo Neves said last month.
