Due to the increased interest in the governorate’s tourism and commercial destinations from residents of other parts of Syria, the Syrian government is making efforts to revive and enhance tourism in Idlib to contribute to its sustainable development.
In a move aimed at revitalizing tourism and opening new investment horizons, Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani along with his assistant for quality and hotel affairs Faraj al-Qashqosh visited Idlib. They met with the Governor Muhammad Abdulrahman during the first official visit for the tourism sector to the governorate.
The meeting discussed mechanisms to activate tourism work, establish facilities and projects that support domestic tourism, contribute to local economic development, and provide job opportunities in this vital sector.
Touring Idlib
The field tour included a visit to several sites in Idlib. They reviewed the hotel infrastructure, such as the Carlton Hotel in the city to monitor restoration and rehabilitation efforts following the damages it sustained.
They also discussed a project to establish a new hotel in the Kinsarwa area west of Idlib, according to engineering standards and integrated infrastructure that would serve as a real gateway to stimulate hotel tourism.
The group visited the Al-Arbaeen area, where they reviewed important sites and recreational facilities planned for rehabilitation as part of a comprehensive vision to transform the mountain into an attractive destination for visitors and scenic natural site for wilderness tourists.
There were visits to prominent archaeological sites in Jabal al-Zawiya, including Ain Larouz, Ruins of Bara, Ruins of Sarjeela, and Deir Louza. During the tour, they assessed the condition of these historical sites to develop a plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture for rehabilitation programs that ensure the preservation of their archaeological value and utilize them to stimulate cultural tourism in the region.
Harem Castle: A Prominent Tourist Destination
In a bid to transform Harem Castle into a more prominent tourist destination, the minister conducted an inspection tour of the historic fortress in preparation for its restoration and rehabilitation project in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Directorate of Antiquities.
This is part of government efforts to revive historical sites in Idlib, where discussions centered around a comprehensive plan including restoring the castle, which was destroyed by the former regime and turned into a military site. They also worked on developing shops highlighting traditional tools famous in the region, contributing to creating jobs on the region.
Attendees also discussed the necessity of maintaining and securing the road leading to the castle, as well as constructing a wall to protect its surroundings. They allocated space at its top to serve as a community attraction overlooking Harem city up to the Turkish border, reflecting the heritage and aesthetic character of the region.
Places like Ain al-Zarqa, Darkoush, and Sheikh Issa Baths in the countryside of Jisr al-Shughur were all visited. The delegation ensured all the needed plans to rehabilitate these sites and transform them into permanent tourist attractions were noted. The government’s efforts to revive Idlib’s tourism represents a significant step toward economic recovery and sustainable development in the region.
