International hotel groups are considering entering Syria as visitor numbers rise and air links improve. The industry still faces aging infrastructure and other barriers.
Accor’s chief executive for the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, Duncan O’Rourke, told Reuters that the group is in advanced talks on two projects in Syria. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is exploring opportunities in Damascus and coastal destinations. Dimitris Manikis, the group’s president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said he expected its first agreement in the country to be announced soon.
Minor Hotels is looking at converting historic buildings in Old Damascus into small luxury hotels, as well as developing new properties. Amir Golbarg, the group’s chief operating officer for the Middle East and Africa, said Syria’s historic location at the crossroads of several regions gave it tourism potential. He also said years without investment had left much of the hotel supply outdated and in need of upgrades.
Syria received 3.52 million visitors in the first half of 2026, up 111% from about 1.67 million a year earlier, according to the Tourism Ministry. The total included 2.13 million Syrians living abroad, 719,000 foreign tourists and 664,000 Arab tourists. Their numbers rose by 75%, 448% and 107%, respectively.
Air links have improved, with services operated by airlines from Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Turkey. But hotel conditions, limited electronic payments and travel restrictions remain obstacles. Visa and Mastercard transactions are still limited to certain cards issued by foreign banks and a small number of locations, the report said.
Local protests against some large development projects have also created challenges. The World Bank estimated last year that Syria’s reconstruction would cost $216 billion, including $75 billion for residential buildings and $59 billion for non-residential structures.
Tourism accounted for about 12% of Syria’s gross domestic product before 2011, according to official estimates. The Tourism Ministry wants to raise its share to 25% within two years and 35% over the next decade.