BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The Syrian Ministry of Tourism and the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) signed an executive program yesterday at the ATO's headquarters in Jeddah, TurkicWorld reports via Asharq Al-Awsat.
The agreement, signed by Syrian Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani and ATO President Dr. Bandar Al-Fahad, aims to develop and enhance Syrian tourism, attract sustainable investments, and improve sector quality.
The multi-axis executive program establishes a shared vision for a comprehensive tourism strategy, focusing on several practical areas, including investment, which involves attracting investors by leveraging guarantee policies and promoting key opportunities at regional and international events; capacity building, achieved by utilizing the ATO's training programs to enhance Syrian skills, SPA reported.
It also eyes establishing a tourism academy in Syria, and collaborating on qualifying facilities for ISO certification; and promotion and research, which entails conducting studies to increase Arab tourism to Syria and using Syrian tourism statistics to guide future investments.
Al-Salhani noted the importance of the agreement, revealing that the Syrian government has recently signed contracts and memoranda of understanding for tourism investments totaling approximately $1.5 billion.
These projects include the development of existing facilities, the establishment of hotels, resorts, and entertainment cities, and the development of historical areas.
The plans also incorporate handicrafts and traditional industries to reinforce the cultural identity of these facilities.
