Since the outbreak of war in 2012, Syria has suffered extreme isolation, not only politically and economically, but also in tourism. Once a jewel of cultural heritage and historical landmarks, the country saw many of its tourist sites and hotels destroyed or severely damaged.
Today, following the collapse of the Assad regime and the re-establishment of diplomatic ties with much of the world, Syria’s tourism industry is showing signs of life.
With new opportunities emerging in the tech investment landscape, tourism is now seen as one of Syria’s most promising sectors. A notable example of this renewed momentum is We Travel, a digital platform that’s redefining how Syrians and visitors plan travel and accommodation within the country.
A Promising Travel Opportunity
Tourism in Syria has witnessed a marked revival since the beginning of this year, driven by a growing number of foreign visitors eager to explore a country long off the travel map. This renewed interest has prompted tourism companies to expand their investments into one of Syria’s few rapidly recovering sectors.
We Travel, a Syrian-built travel and booking app, allows users to book flights worldwide and currently aggregates around 95% of both international and local airlines, including low-cost carriers. This level of access allows for seamless price comparison and booking flexibility.
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Mohammed Al-Ghaleb, Director of Hadeel Tourism, told +963:
“We Travel offers a top-tier experience for flight and hotel bookings in the region. It connects users with a database of over 20,000 hotels and virtually all major airlines. This accessibility is key to reviving interest in Syria’s tourist destinations.”
He adds that platforms like We Travel could be game-changers for Syria’s post-war recovery:
“Digital tools create real investment opportunities in tourism, especially now as Syria enters high season and seeks to attract regional and international travellers.”
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Structural and Technological Hurdles
Despite the promise shown by digital tourism platforms, Syria still faces significant challenges. Chief among them is national security. Recent unrest in coastal regions and the southern province of Suwayda has created fresh uncertainty about visitor safety. Unreliable electricity and weak internet infrastructure in several key tourism areas also pose serious obstacles to consistent user experiences and visitor satisfaction.
Economic expert Naya Douba tells +963: “Travel apps highlight Syria’s brighter side, but the reality on the ground needs far more support. Tourism recovery has shown encouraging signs since the regime change, but instability in the south could derail this momentum.”
Douba notes that the tourism sector, like many others in Syria, requires comprehensive rebuilding. “From upgrading tech infrastructure to improving transportation and easing visa requirements, the country has a long way to go. Reducing entry fees and launching effective global marketing campaigns are just as critical as supporting efficient digital platforms,” she says.
