Demand for something new helps Syria to make its mark

Destination focus by Jane Dunford

Demand for something new helps Syria to make its mark

Souks, scenery and ancient sites boost cultural tourism

Souks, scenery and ancient sites boost cultural tourism

WITH its wealth of historic sights, bustling capital city, colourful and exotic souks, hospitable people and breathtaking scenery, Syria is one of the Middle East’s unspoilt destinations.

Although it hasn’t experienced a boom comparable to Dubai or Jordan, operators report that its popularity is increasing steadily.

Cox and Kings product manager, Middle East, Hugh Fraser, said: “Syria has even more to offer than Jordan in terms of its castles, ancient sites and scenery but it hasn’t been marketed in the same way. People are gradually realising its potential.”

Key attractions include Damascus, the great ruins of Palmyra – ‘City of a Thousand Columns’ – and the Crusader castle Crac des Chevaliers.

Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city with its maze of medieval souks, Bosra with its Roman amphitheatre and the mountainside village of Malula, where Aramaic, the language used by Christ, is still spoken, are also fascinating places.

Much less commercialised than destinations such as Dubai and Egypt, Syria’s infrastructure is also less developed and it tends to appeal to people who have visited the Middle East before and to those with a greater interest in the region’s culture, according to operators.

Bales business development manager Chris Grime said: “Syria is for people who have perhaps been to Egypt and liked it and want to see more of this fascinating region.”

Damascus, Syria: appeals to those who have visited the Middle East before and want to see more of the region