Improving Religious and Business Tourism Discussed

Damascus, (ST)- Tourism Minister Eng. Bisher Yazigi discussed yesterday with the Head and members of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce ideas and proposals to improve the internal and religious tourism and business tourism forward to contribute to rotate the wheel of the national economy.

Participants discussed at the meeting ways to promote tourism and support the efforts of Tourism Ministry in this area.

Dr. Yazigi stressed the need to start planning for holding conferences and exhibitions to contribute to increase the number of tourists to Syria that it will reflect well on the domestic markets and stimulate religious tourism that contribute to running the shops near religious sites and markets.

Dr. Yazigi pointed to the need for paying attention to human cadres working in the field of tourism and training and working to revitalize the business tourism sector.

Head of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce Ghassan al Qalla’said that bringing tourist investments by traders is a “good” move, noting that the Chamber of Commerce seeks to stay in touch with the Ministry of Tourism and other ministries.

 “Holding festivals, meetings and conferences by the Ministry of Tourism contribute to increasing the number of arrivals to Syria and this will reflect in turn, stimulate the economy and tourism, indicating the presence of a lot of properties under renovation and rehabilitation for business and investment, and that the work in the domain of tourism is “rewarding.” Mr. al –Qalla’ said.

A member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber and Head of the Business Women’s Committee Sonia Khanji said the meeting was “rich in proposals and new ideas” that contribute to the development of the tourism sector including help banks to finance tourism projects and institutions that contribute to the graduation of tourist workers and enjoy a high efficiency.

“The attention is currently focused on the Lattakia and Tartous and on religious tourism in Sednaya and Maaloula and other holy places,” pointing out that great efforts are being exerted  to overcome thedifficulties.

Sh. Kh.