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“Greetings from Free Syria. I am currently in Damascus enjoying the beautiful winter weather. Everything is looking up,” shared Ayoub Alsmadi, the founder of Syria Scope Travel, with CNN Travel. “There is a sense of optimism since the fall of Assad’s regime.”
In a significant turn of events on December 8, 2024, Damascus was seized by Syrian rebels, leading to the end of Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule as he fled to Moscow. The flag of “Free Syria” now flies over Damascus, giving hope to local operators like Alsmadi as they aim to revive the country’s tourism industry.
Following the resumption of international flights to Damascus by airlines such as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, adventure travel companies are now planning tours to Syria, despite travel advisories from various governments cautioning against visiting the country due to ongoing risks.
Despite the challenges faced during the civil war, there is a renewed sense of optimism among individuals like Alsmadi and Adnan Habbab, who are working towards rebuilding Syria’s tourism sector. With historical sites like Palmyra and the coastal beauty of Tartus attracting tourists in the past, there is hope for a resurgence in tourism post-conflict.
While concerns about safety and ethics remain, tour operators are cautiously optimistic about the future of tourism in Syria. With a focus on promoting historical sites and raising awareness about the country’s past struggles, there is a belief that tourism can play a vital role in rebuilding Syria’s image on the global stage.