Syria will host its inaugural international travel trade exhibition, the Syria Travel Show (STS) 2026, from 28 to 30 September 2026 at Al Moutanbi Hall, Dama Rose Hotel, Damascus. Organised by Mangusteen Events and Exhibitions and SO Media under the patronage of the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, the event aims to establish a dedicated platform for stakeholders within Syria’s travel, tourism, and hospitality industry.
Exhibitors, Speakers and Participant Sectors
The three-day event expects more than 30 exhibitors and over 20 speakers, drawing upwards of 5,000 attendees. It will bring together tourism authorities, investors, hotel groups, developers, airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, technology providers, franchise owners,
and cultural institutions. Participating sectors span hospitality, aviation, travel technology, destination development, and cultural tourism.
Tourism Growth Data and Key Markets
In the first half of 2026, Syria recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals, more than doubling compared with the same period in 2025. International visitor arrivals surged by 448%, Arab visitor arrivals increased 107%, and Syrian expatriate visits grew 75%. The largest source markets included Türkiye, Germany, Sweden, the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Arab visitors totaled 664,000, led primarily by arrivals from Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Strategic Vision and Official Statements
Syria’s Ministry of Tourism sees the sector entering a new phase characterized by rising regional
and international confidence and increased visitor demand. Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani stated the government’s commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment. He emphasized empowering the private sector and attracting responsible investment to develop world-class tourism experiences showcasing Syria’s unique cultural and natural assets. Al-Salhani said, “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.”
Business and Investment Opportunities at STS 2026
The event offers investors access to discussions on hotel and resort development, tourism real estate, infrastructure, destination readiness, and public-private partnerships. International and regional hotel operators
will explore management agreements and development partnerships for introducing hospitality concepts in Syria. Franchise owners and brands in accommodation, food and beverage, retail, wellness, and visitor services can evaluate demand and identify potential partners. Tour operators and travel agencies will seek to develop inbound tourism products including cultural, heritage, religious, medical, wellness, adventure, and experiential tourism. Airlines, aviation service providers, online travel agencies, booking platforms, payment providers, and travel-technology companies will use the show to reconnect Syria with the international tourism ecosystem.
Conference Themes and Exhibition Highlights
STS 2026 combines a travel trade exhibition with keynote addresses, panel discussions, cultural showcases, professional networking, and curated
B2B matchmaking. Conference topics will include policy and investment, public-private partnerships, hospitality and aviation, destination marketing, inbound tourism, cultural heritage, travel technology, entrepreneurship, talent development, and regional cooperation. The exhibition floor will display Syrian destinations, hospitality brands, travel services, tourism products, and investment opportunities. A dedicated B2B program will facilitate targeted meetings between investors, buyers, operators, suppliers, and institutional partners.
