International Hotel Chains in Syria Eye Post War Tourism Rebound

International hotel chains in Syria are watching the market closely as flights and visitors return after years of conflict. Global and regional groups want to enter or expand there. They are betting on the country's tourism potential. Hà Nội Mới reported the story, citing Reuters. Accor, one of the groups involved, is on the Accor Group website.

International Hotel Chains in Syria Eye a Tourism Recovery

Syria's appeal lies in its history, cultural heritage and coastal destinations. Many Syrians abroad also want to return and visit home. The first half of 2026 shows clear signs of recovery.

The state news agency SANA reported 3.52 million tourists in that period. That is more than double the figure a year earlier. About 2.13 million were Syrians living abroad. Around 660,000 came from Arab countries, and about 720,000 came from other nations.

The US removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in August. That move is expected to help the investment climate. The US State Department still advises citizens against travel to Syria.

Which International Hotel Chains in Syria Are Making Moves

French group Accor is in advanced talks on two projects. Duncan O'Rourke, its CEO for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, says the group is actively exploring the market.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also looking at Damascus and coastal sites. Dimitris Manikis, its EMEA regional president, says a first deal could be announced soon. This makes Wyndham Hotels Syria one of the names to watch.

Minor Hotels is studying boutique hotels in the Old Town of Damascus. Some existing buildings could become accommodation. New builds are also an option.

Gulf Developers Back International Hotel Chains in Syria

Gulf developers are moving too. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of UAE based Eagle Hills, says tourists are always drawn to Damascus. He also points to demand from the Syrian diaspora.

Eagle Hills plans a 10 million square meter project in Damascus. It also plans a 4.3 million square meter project in coastal Latakia. A framework agreement was signed on October 5. The financial terms are not public.

Another UAE firm, Arada, plans to enter Syria with a project worth about $7 billion. Better air links are helping. Qatar Airways and flydubai now connect Syria to regional hubs. Etihad plans to raise its Damascus flights from four to seven a week.

Hurdles Facing International Hotel Chains in Syria

The road ahead is not easy. Years of war damaged many cities and archaeological sites. Violence continues in some areas. Infrastructure, services and the financial system all need work.

Payments are a bottleneck. Visa and Mastercard said last month they would begin operations in Syria. Electronic payments are still limited to certain foreign bank cards and specific places.

Existing hotels also need major upgrades after years of isolation and weak investment. Some suburban communities have reacted badly to large government announced projects. Tourism growth must balance investment with community benefits.

The World Bank estimates rebuilding Syria will cost $216 billion. About $75 billion is for housing and $59 billion for non housing projects.

For more industry updates, read the latest hotel news on HCP.