• Al-Salhani: The success of the tourist season is not measured only by the number of visitors, but by our ability to turn every visit into an experience that motivates the visitor to return again.
• Al-Salhani: Tartous Governorate is not only a distinguished destination for tourism and hospitality, but also an integrated economic engine for all businesses.
• From the sea to the economy... Tartous announces the start of a summer season that brings activity back to the cities and people.

Damascus , Syrian Arab Republic,   Under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Ministry of Tourism launched the “Tartous Tourism Season 2026”, where His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Mazen Al-Salhani, announced the opening of the season during a major public event held between the seaside promenade and Arwad Island, with a wide official and community presence and the participation of various tourism, economic, artistic and sports activities.

This celebration embodies the launch of an exceptional tourist season that will continue over the coming months with a range of events and unique experiences, which enhances the status of Tartous Governorate as a key destination for enriching the tourism movement in Syria.

The celebration featured a diverse tourism, entertainment, and service program. The newly renovated Al-Tahouna Port (designated for transport between Tartous and Arwad) was inaugurated, becoming a key access point to the island and enhancing safety and services for visitors. A special display by the Tourist Police, Civil Defense, and Red Crescent vehicles was presented, along with boat, paragliding, and parasailing demonstrations. Horse shows and a children's "Joy Train" were also featured in the celebration square, to the delight of all attendees. A musical performance by the "Station Project" band and a dazzling fireworks display illuminated the Tartous sky.

The activities also expanded to include Arwad Island, which can be reached via a boat trip, and a tour of the island and a visit to its ancient fortress. The launch of the marine aid operation (dedicated to transporting waste from the island) was also announced as an environmental service step to preserve the waterfront.

In a speech during the public celebration that announced the start of the summer tourist season, His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Mazen Al-Salhani, stressed the importance of Tartous Governorate as a major tourist destination, announcing the start of this year’s summer season from the gateway of Tartous to enrich the tourism and economic activity in it, and in harmony with its cultural richness, its distinctive location and its ancient history.

He added: “Tartous is not only celebrating the launch of its tourist season today, but is also opening the doors to the return of summer and seasonal economic activity, and the lifestyle that Syrians have missed for many years. Today, it is warmly welcoming its guests, visitors, and fans, noting its important role in the recovery phase and its hosting of tourist, economic, and cultural events, and its support for the business and local production sectors.”

Al-Salhani pointed out that Tartous is not only a distinctive destination for tourism and hospitality, but it is also an economic engine for multiple sectors, from transportation, business and small projects to tourism services, with the job opportunities it provides and the support it offers for sustainable development.

Al-Salhani added that tourism is not limited to stimulating the economy or attracting visitors, but also represents a tool to improve the quality of life, revive public spaces, and create moments of joy and happiness that Syrians deserve after many years, noting that the ministry views the tourism sector as part of a broader project that restores life to cities and creates positive experiences for citizens and visitors alike.

Al-Salhani concluded by calling on owners of tourist establishments, workers in the sector, and local communities to be partners in making the tourist season a success, stressing that the visitor’s experience is not made by establishments alone, but by the entire community, and that the success of the season is not measured by the number of visitors only, but by our ability to turn every visit into an experience that drives the visitor to return again, by establishing a culture of hospitality and improving the visitor experience as a shared responsibility that contributes to supporting economic recovery and enhancing Syria’s image as a destination that welcomes its guests.

The summer tourist season in Syria extends until the end of September, including a wide range of events and festivals in various governorates, which enhances visitor traffic and strengthens Syria’s position as a vibrant tourist destination that combines entertainment, exceptional experiences, and diverse cultural, economic, and sporting activities.

On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism – Syrian Arab Republic

The Ministry of Tourism is leading efforts to develop the tourism sector through policies that promote sustainable growth and enhance the competitiveness of Syria as a tourist destination, while expanding investment opportunities in the hospitality and cultural tourism sectors. The Ministry is working to enable partnerships with the private sector, improve service quality, and solidify Syria's position as a promising destination in the region.

For media communication

Youssef Bater

Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of Tourism

yousef.batter@mots.gov.sy

-I finish-

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