Syria’s Ministry of Tourism signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) in late July 2026 with three Saudi technology companies: Tamkeen, Cipher, and Hawaz. The agreement was signed in Damascus in the presence of H.E. Mazen Al-Salhani, Minister of Tourism, representatives of the three Saudi companies, members of the Syrian-Saudi Business Council, and senior officials from the Ministry. It aims to accelerate the digital transformation of Syria’s tourism sector through an integrated digital ecosystem.
The partners will develop a unified digital platform for tourism services and bookings, along with a national digital tourism portal providing comprehensive information about destinations, attractions,
and events throughout Syria. The collaboration also includes strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, implementing robust data governance frameworks, and developing advanced data collection and analytics systems to support evidence-based policymaking and long-term planning.
H.E. Mazen Al-Salhani stated that digital transformation “is not simply a technology project—it is a strategic pillar of rebuilding a more competitive, resilient and future-ready tourism sector.” The initiative aspires to make the Ministry of Tourism a benchmark for digital government in the tourism sector and a reference point for the wider tourism ecosystem, powering it with trusted data, robust governance, and resilient cybersecurity.
The agreement was signed amid
a major tourism boom in Syria, which welcomed 3.52 million visitors in the first half of 2026—a 111% increase year on year from 1.67 million in the same period of 2025. International tourist arrivals surged 448% year on year, while arrivals from Arab countries increased by 107%, underscoring renewed regional and international interest.
This initiative forms part of Syria’s nationwide digital transformation agenda, which seeks to modernize public services and expand e-government capabilities. It builds on prior institutional governance, information management, and administrative modernization efforts, embedding digital capabilities across the entire tourism value chain. The focus includes service delivery improvement,
institutional performance strengthening, investment facilitation, destination marketing, visitor engagement, and policy development to enhance Syria’s international competitiveness in tourism.
