Restoration work has started on the historic building of the Tourist and Visitor Center in Palmyra

 Homs, (ST)- The Ministry of Tourism has begun rehabilitation and restoration works on the historic building of the Visitor and Tourist Center in the archeological area of Palmyra in Homs countryside, which was damaged by the cowardly attacks of the terrorist organization “ISIS” before its defeat by the heroes of the Syrian Arab Army.

In a statement to SANA, director general of the Tourism Projects Implementation Authority at the Ministry of Tourism, Engineer Mohanna Skeiker, pointed out that this important tourist and archaeological project is part of the ministry’s plan to restore the glory of tourism in the historic city of Palmyra.

He indicated that this project, which is being held in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, would be implemented by the Military Construction Corporation branch in Homs under a contract concluded with the Ministry, worth SYP 300 million.

 Eng. Skeiker went on to say that the necessary engineering and architectural studies have been carried out for this project, which will be implemented within three months, to preserve its archaeological building which was an important destination for visitors and tourists.

The Deputy Director General of the Tourism Projects Implementation Authority, Eng. Mai El-Solh, emphasized in a similar statement the importance of rehabilitating and investing the Tourist Visitor Center, which is considered the tourist’s gateway when visiting Palmyra, as it aims to promote its archaeological site.

El-Solh clarified that this center which is a heritage building dating back about two hundred years, will be equipped with six hotel rooms for the tourists to rest during their long tour of  the ancient monuments. The visitor will be provided with a general map of the archaeological area, photos, brochures and all the required explanations, in addition to setting up modern display screens that provide a panoramic view and documentary films of the tourist and archaeological city and its development over the ages.

Amal Farhat