Syria's tourist potential untapped says a Japanese study

In the context of the technical cooperation agreement between Syria and Japan, the final report on the development of tourism in Syria was completed by a JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Agency) study team in cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Tourism.

The Japanese ambassador in Damascus, Takeshi Kagami, will submit this final report to Minister of Tourism Danhu Dawoud today and a presentation ceremony is to be held at the same time. The report consists of four volumes, a master plan, zone plans and priority action plans, summary and annexes.

The report deals with the current tourism situations and obstacles, development strategies and goals, proposed developed projects and other items. According to the report, Syria was divided into eight zones: Damascus, Aleppo, the coast, Homs, Hama, Palmyra, the Euphrates, the northeast and northern areas.

The report stressed that Syria posses valuable basic foundations such as a successful tourism industry, an ancient civilization, the generous hospitality of the Syrian people, and the safety and stability of the country. The report also suggests a bigger role to be played by various events in promoting Syrian tourism.

Tourism is one of the promising sectors in the development of Syria. Based on this view, the report suggests policies and measures such as encouraging private investment, improving hard currency exchange for tourists, expanding international flights, improving immigration control of customs and launching public awareness programs on tourism.