Full Breakdown
Hotel Groups Target Syria’s Post-War Tourism Revival
By Drooid · · How we work
Background & Context
The Syrian civil war, which ended almost two years ago, left much of the country’s infrastructure and historic sites in ruins. Although the United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in August, the State Department continues to advise U.S. citizens against travel. International flights have resumed and the Syrian state news agency SANA reports that tourist arrivals more than doubled in the first half of 2026, reaching 3.52 million — including 2.13 million Syrian expatriates, about 660 000 visitors from Arab nations and roughly 720 000 from elsewhere.
Core Developments
- Eagle Hills framework agreement – Abu Dhabi-based Eagle Hills signed a framework deal with the Syrian government for two large-scale projects: the Tadamun Towers development in Damascus and the Eco Life tourism project in Latakia. The agreement, signed at the People’s Palace in Damascus in the presence of President Ahmad Al Shara, is projected to create more than 40 000 jobs, according to the Arab News Agency. The Damascus component will comprise 11 000 homes, 500 hotel rooms, 1 000 serviced apartments, two schools, a hospital, offices and retail space.
- Other hotel operators – France’s Accor is in advanced negotiations for two Syrian projects, while U.S.-based Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is scouting opportunities in Damascus and coastal beach locations. Minor Hotels’ Middle-East and Africa COO Amir Golbarg said some historic buildings could be converted into boutique hotels.
- UAE developer Arada – Arada announced a $7 billion mixed-use development on the Syrian coast, describing it as a “UAE-style” project to be built in phases over ten years.
- Air connectivity – Etihad Airways will increase its Damascus service to a daily flight, expanding from four to seven weekly flights, contingent on local demand.
Data & Statistics
- Tourism growth – SANA: 3.52 million visitors in H1 2026 (double year-on-year).
- Reconstruction cost – World Bank (2025): $216 billion total, including $75 billion for residential buildings and $59 billion for non-residential structures.
- Return of displaced Syrians – UNHCR estimates more than 1.7 million Syrians returned between December 2024 and April 2026.
- Job creation – Arab News Agency: >40 000 jobs expected from Eagle Hills projects.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, group chief executive of Arada, noted “strong demand for good-quality homes” from both residents and the diaspora, adding that this demand “will continue to grow.”
- Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara attended the signing ceremony, signalling government endorsement.
- The U.S. State Department maintains its travel advisory for U.S. citizens, underscoring lingering security concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
Etihad Airways plans to operate a daily Damascus flight, expanding to seven weekly services pending market response. Accor’s negotiations remain ongoing, and Wyndham expects to announce its first Syrian signing “very soon,” according to its EMEA President. Construction on the Eagle Hills and Arada projects is slated to begin later in 2026, with phased roll-outs extending into the early 2030s.