On Tuesday, August 14, 2024, the Ministry of Tourism in Syria hosted a collaborative workshop at the Sheraton Hotel in Damascus, bringing together travel and tourism agencies from Syria and Pakistan. The event aimed to bolster bilateral tourism initiatives between the two nations, fostering a greater exchange of visitors and enriching the tourism landscape.
Nidal Mashfej, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, emphasized the workshop’s importance in revitalizing and enhancing tourism interactions. He highlighted the potential for reciprocal visits, the development of more diverse tourist offerings, and expanding the reach of tourism to a wider demographic.
Shahid Akhtar, the Pakistani Ambassador to Damascus, shared the workshop’s objective to present an accurate and compelling image of Syrian tourism, fostering growth in the sector. The focus was on expanding tourism to encompass recreational and cultural experiences, with the goal of increasing the number of Pakistani visitors to Syria. Previously, Pakistani travelers primarily visited Damascus for religious purposes.
Talal Khdeir, Chairman of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Tourism, reiterated the Federation’s commitment to strengthening tourism relations with Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of a special tour organized for Pakistani travel agency owners, which showcased key tourist sites in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, and Lattakia. Khdeir also mentioned the development of an online platform to facilitate more organized travel arrangements between the two nations.
This collaboration between Syria and Pakistan signals a promising future for tourism in both countries, opening new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth. By working together, they aim to attract more visitors, diversify tourism offerings, and contribute to the overall development of the tourism industry in both nations.
