The Syrian Ministry of Tourism and the Arab Tourism Organisation (ATO) signed an executive programme at the ATO's headquarters in Jeddah.
The agreement, signed by Syrian Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani and ATO President Dr Bandar Al-Fahad, aims to develop and enhance Syrian tourism, attract sustainable investments, and improve sector quality, reported SPA.
The multi-axis executive program establishes a shared vision for a comprehensive tourism strategy, focusing on several practical areas, including investment, which involves attracting investors by leveraging guarantee policies and promoting key opportunities at regional and international events; capacity building, achieved by utilising the ATO's training programs to enhance Syrian skills, establishing a tourism academy in Syria, and collaborating on qualifying facilities for ISO certification; and promotion and research, which entails conducting studies to increase Arab tourism to Syria and using Syrian tourism statistics to guide future investments.
Al-Salhani noted the importance of the agreement, revealing that the Syrian
government has recently signed contracts and memoranda of understanding for
tourism investments totaling approximately $1.5 billion.
These projects include the development of
existing facilities, the establishment of hotels, resorts, and entertainment
cities, and the development of historical areas.
The plans also incorporate handicrafts and
traditional industries to reinforce the cultural identity of these facilities.