The Syrian Arab Republic received 2.2 million tourists from within the Arab world in 2001 with arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states up 17.4 percent, compared to 2000 levels, a press release reported.
In a bid to maintain last year’s trend, Syria is to field a high-level delegation to Arabian Travel Market 2002, the Middle East’s travel and tourism exhibition, which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in May.
“We are looking to improve these figures and the Ministry is considering a long term plan to open dedicated tourism offices throughout the Middle East,” said Sawsan Jouzy, Counsellor to the Minister on Promotions and Tourist Relations.
Syria believes the Middle East will emerge as an important travel destination over the next decade. “It will be at the core of attracting tourists seeking cultural and religious destinations, summer resorts, leisure, entertainment and shopping and its diverse offering will also attract the incentive market,” said Jouzy. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
