The Syrian Ministry of Tourism recently organized a joint workshop for Pakistani and Syrian tourism operators and travel agents. The goal was to promote tourism and simultaneously help both countries work together more closely and benefit each other.
The workshop was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Damascus the other day. The collaboration comes at a time when both nations are seeking to expand their global presence and promote cultural exchange, with tourism being a key driver.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Syria Air Vice Marshal Shahid Akhtar said the workshop was important for changing the way people think about Syrian tourism, which had been adversely affected by negative media portrayal over the years.
He said the workshop focused on showing the real and authentic culture and history of both Pakistan and Syria, highlighting their rich cultural heritage and historical significance. He also mentioned that a group of Pakistani tourism operators had visited Syria to promote tourism, especially religious tourism. He said that both countries see a lot of potential in this area.
It is pertinent to mention here that Syria has long attracted Pakistani pilgrims with its deep historical and religious roots, so this initiative is expected to further increase these numbers and take the overall tourism experience to the next level.
Talking to the media, Deputy Minister of Tourism Engineer Nidal Mashfej highlighted the significance of the workshop in terms of increasing tourism diversity, encouraging mutual visits, and offering a variety of tourism products and packages to attract more tourists.
Addressing the participants, Engineer Talal Khdeir, chairman of the Federation of Syrian Tourism Chambers, emphasized the federation’s commitment to promote tourism cooperation between Pakistan and Syria.
He said Pakistani tourism operators’ visit to Syria was a big deal. “Pakistani tourism operators have visited Syria for the first time, and I hope their visit will help open up new opportunities for tourism between the two countries,” he said.
Tour guide Abdul Razzaq Hassan, who had accompanied Pakistani tourism operators on their visit to Syrian tourist sites, said the visitors were surprised by the tourist attractions. He said they had shared their plans to attract European and American tourists adding Syria as a second attraction in their tourist programs. He said that Pakistan was working with several countries and covered 30 destinations in terms of tourism attractions. He hoped that Syrian authorities would offer good products in their packages.
Osama Satea, the Business Development Consultant at Cham Wings airlines, pointed out that the workshop demonstrated cooperation between Pakistani and Syrian tourism companies. He said that Cham Wings served as the air bridge and a vital artery for this cooperation. He noted that they operate one flight per week to Pakistan, and hoped that the number of flights would increase after the workshop. He added that Syrian tourism offices had been briefed on the most important tourist sites in Pakistan, which were presented by representatives of Pakistani tourism companies. He thanked both the Ministry of Tourism and the Pakistani Embassy for organizing the workshop.
It may be mentioned here that Pakistan and Syria have a lot to offer tourists. Both countries have many amazing cultural and historical sites that attract millions of visitors each year.
Moreover, this partnership will also bring big economic benefits for both countries, making it a win-win situation. Syria is rebuilding its economy, and lots of Pakistani tourists coming in will help boost its tourism industry. For Pakistan, this is a chance to explore Syria as a new market for tourists.
Additionally, this new relationship is also likely to act as a powerful tool for cultural exchange. These efforts will develop greater understanding and goodwill between the people of the two countries, and deepen the religious and cultural ties that have historically existed between them.