Damascus strengthens its tourism cooperation with Beirut: Minister of Tourism Laura Lahoud discusses in Damascus prospects for joint investment and facilitating border transport movement
The Minister of Tourism, Laura Lahoud, participated in the first edition of the Syrian Travel Fair “STS” in the capital, Damascus, on her first official visit to Syria. On the sidelines of the exhibition, I held a meeting with the Syrian Minister of Tourism, Mazen Al-Salhani, in the presence of Lebanese Ambassador Henry Costoun, where the discussion focused on ways to enhance tourism and investment cooperation, and facilitate the movement of passengers and means of transportation between the two countries.
Minister Lahoud stressed that her visit aims to establish a direct and regular channel of communication between the two ministries of tourism, within an institutional framework that respects the sovereignty of the two countries and their common interests, expressing her aspiration for the tourism sector to be the first to move from the dialogue stage to concrete practical steps.
The discussions dealt with the possibility of launching joint tourism programs bringing together Lebanon and Syria, with the possibility of Jordan joining them, to allow tourists to visit the countries concerned within one trip. The two sides also discussed ways to overcome obstacles facing delegations, tourist groups, and cross-border transport companies, and enhance coordination in international tourism exhibitions, in addition to organizing joint meetings that bring together tour operators, airlines, and travel agencies.
Regarding investment, Lahoud pointed out that there are promising opportunities to benefit from Lebanese expertise in the fields of hotel, restaurant, and guest house management, in conjunction with Syria’s efforts to develop its hotel capabilities and rehabilitate its heritage facilities and buildings, which opens the door to investment and operational partnerships between the two countries.
Regarding the issue of movement and transit, Lahoud touched on the new measures announced by Lebanese General Security on September 24 to regulate the entry of Syrians into Lebanon, calling for building on them to reach clearer and more stable rules on both sides of the border. The discussions included unifying procedures between the crossings, advance notification of any amendments to entry conditions, facilitating the passage of tourist groups, and addressing the obstacles facing Lebanese buses, as well as discussing the fees imposed on travelers according to the principle of reciprocity.
In conclusion, Lahoud stressed the importance of sustaining communication by establishing a permanent communication channel between the two ministries and the relevant tourism sectors to immediately deal with any obstacles, with the aim of facilitating the movement of visitors, investors, travel agencies, and transportation companies.
It is noteworthy that the first edition of the Syrian Travel Fair “STS”, which specializes in the travel, tourism, and hotel investment sectors, will be held at the “Dama Rose” Hotel in Damascus during the period between September 28 and 30.
