Syria and Pakistan strengthen tourism ties through joint workshop in Damascus

Syria and Pakistan bolster tourism ties following a joint workshop in Damascus, hosted by the Syrian Ministry of Tourism on 13 August 2024 [@SANAEnOfficial/X]

The Syrian Ministry of Tourism has hosted a joint workshop for travel and tourism officials from Syria and Pakistan, SANA has reported. The event at the Sheraton Hotel in Damascus was aimed at strengthening tourism collaboration between the two countries.

Syria’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Nidal Mashfej, told journalists about the workshop’s significance in revitalising and enhancing tourism diversity between Syria and Pakistan. He highlighted the potential for mutual visits, the promotion of various tourist products and the goal of increasing the number of tourists while diversifying their experiences.

Ministry of Tourism holds a joint workshop between travel and tourism offices in #Syria and the Republic of #Pakistan at Sheraton Hotel in Damascus with the aim of activating the joint tourism work between the two countieshttps://t.co/MmuU3Wklgo pic.twitter.com/fTp5uc4GCj

— SANAEnglishOfficial (@SANAEnOfficial) August 13, 2024

Shahid Akhtar, Pakistan’s ambassador to Syria, noted that the workshop aimed to present an authentic image of Syrian tourism. He stressed the importance of promoting and expanding tourism beyond religious visits to include entertainment and cultural tourism, with the goal of attracting more Pakistani tourists to Damascus.

The Chairman of the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Tourism, Talal Khdeir, pointed out that a tour was organised for Pakistani tourism office owners, introducing them to key tourist sites in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama and Latakia. Khdeir also noted that the completion of an online platform would facilitate better organisation of tourist trips between the two countries.

Hundreds of Pakistani nationals visit Syria annually, with a significant number participating in visits of religious significance in Damascus. However, efforts are being made to attract more visitors interested in the cultural and historical aspects of the country.

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