Syria’s Ministry of Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July 2026 with three Saudi technology companies—Tamkeen, Cipher, and Hawaz—to drive the digital transformation of the country’s tourism industry. The agreement aims to establish an integrated digital ecosystem designed to enhance visitor services, optimize institutional capabilities, and enable data-driven development across Syria’s tourism sector.
Components of the Digital Ecosystem
The partnership will create a unified digital platform that consolidates tourism services and booking capabilities. It will also launch a national digital tourism portal featuring detailed information about destinations, attractions, and events throughout Syria. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and implementing rigorous data governance frameworks are core
to the initiative. Additionally, advanced data collection and analytics systems will be developed to assist evidence-based policymaking and facilitate long-term tourism planning.
Tourism Growth and Visitor Statistics in H1 2026
Syria experienced a significant rise in tourism arrivals during the first half of 2026, welcoming 3.52 million visitors, representing a 111% increase compared to 1.67 million arrivals in the same period of 2025. International tourists showed the largest surge with a 448% rise, while visitor numbers from Arab countries grew by 107%. These figures were reported by Syria’s Ministry of Tourism and reflect accelerated demand and visits from Syrian expatriates.
Official Statements and Strategic Context
The MoU signing ceremony took place in Damascus
in the presence of H.E. Mazen Al-Salhani, Syria’s Minister of Tourism, representatives from Tamkeen, Cipher, and Hawaz, as well as members of the Syrian-Saudi Business Council and senior ministry officials. Minister Al-Salhani emphasized digital transformation as a strategic foundation for rebuilding a competitive and resilient tourism sector. The agreement illustrates the expanding role of public-private partnerships in Syria’s digital modernization efforts and strengthens ties with Saudi Arabian enterprises experienced in digital governance, cybersecurity, and institutional modernization.
Capacity Building and Marketing Initiatives
The digital transformation program includes specialized capacity-building initiatives to equip tourism professionals with skills relevant to the evolving digital economy. It also features destination
marketing campaigns targeting both regional and international markets. The project builds on Syria’s broader digital transformation roadmap, which aims to extend digital capabilities throughout the tourism value chain, integrating services from government administration to visitor engagement and investment facilitation.
