Hotel groups target Syria for tourism and reconstruction

Global and regional hotel groups are exploring investment opportunities in Syria as the country seeks to rebuild its tourism sector following the end of its civil war. Major companies including France’s Accor, the US-based Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and the UAE-based Eagle Hills are examining potential projects in Damascus and along the Mediterranean coast.

According to Syrian state news agency SANA, tourist numbers more than doubled in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, reaching 3.52 million visitors. This total includes 2.13 million Syrian expatriates, approximately 660,000 visitors from Arab nations, and 720,000 from other regions.

Eagle Hills has signed a framework agreement with the Syrian government for two large-scale developments: a 10 million square metre project in Damascus and a 4.3 million square metre project in the coastal city of Latakia. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Eagle Hills, indicated that the value of these projects could reach billions of dollars. While the US removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in August, the State Department continues to advise US citizens against traveling to the country.