The inaugural Syria Travel Show (STS) 2026 is scheduled for September 28 to 30, 2026, at Al Moutanbi Hall, Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus, Syria. The event is organized by Mangusteen Events and Exhibitions and SO Media under the patronage of the Syrian Ministry of Tourism.
STS 2026 aims to serve as an international venue connecting tourism authorities, investors, hotel groups, developers, airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, technology providers, franchise owners, and cultural institutions. Organizers expect participation from more than 30 exhibitors, over 20 speakers, and upwards of 5,000 attendees.
Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the
first half of 2026, more than doubling compared to the same period in 2025. International visitors grew by 448%, Arab visitors by 107%, and Syrian expatriate arrivals by 75%, reflecting strengthening demand and confidence in regional and international markets.
H.E. Mazen Al-Salhani, Minister of Tourism, stated, “Syria’s tourism sector is entering a new phase, underpinned by growing regional and international confidence, rising visitor demand and a clear commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment. Our ambition is to build a tourism-led economy by empowering the private sector, attracting responsible investment and developing world-class tourism experiences that showcase Syria’s unique cultural and
natural assets.” He added that STS 2026 will bring together investors and industry leaders to unlock the sector’s potential.
Event Program and Business Opportunities
The show combines a travel trade exhibition with keynote addresses, panel discussions, cultural presentations, professional networking, and curated B2B matchmaking. Conference topics will include policy and investment, public-private partnerships, hospitality and aviation, destination marketing, cultural heritage, travel technology, entrepreneurship, talent development, and regional cooperation.
The exhibition will showcase Syrian destinations, hospitality brands, tourism products, services, and investment prospects. The B2B program will enable targeted meetings among investors, buyers, operators, suppliers, and institutional partners to foster collaboration and business development.
Industry Sectors and Tourism Products Represented
The event
targets stakeholders involved in hospitality, aviation, travel technology, and tour operations. International and regional hotel operators can explore management agreements, development partnerships, and introduce hospitality brands to the Syrian market. Franchise owners from accommodation, food and beverage, retail, wellness, and visitor service sectors will assess demand and identify partners.
Tour operators and travel agencies will have opportunities to develop inbound programs covering cultural, heritage, religious, medical, wellness, adventure, and experiential tourism. Airlines, aviation service providers, online travel agencies, booking platforms, payment providers, and travel technology companies can leverage the event to integrate Syria into the international tourism ecosystem.
Syria’s Tourism Recovery and Strategic Outlook
Syria is
positioning tourism as a catalyst for investment and economic growth after the first half of 2026’s robust visitor statistics. The country aims to build a tourism-led economy driven by private sector involvement and responsible investment. Opportunities span the tourism value chain, including hotel development, destination readiness, infrastructure expansion, and cultural experience enhancement.
STS 2026 offers an early platform for businesses to establish presence in Syria’s reviving tourism market, identify investment opportunities, and support long-term destination development in line with the government’s strategic vision.
