The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit on Sunday, June 7, 2026, to Arwad Island in Tartous Governorate to participate in the launch of the 2026 Tartous Tourism Season. We believe this visit, which took place under the slogan “New Syrian Tourism,” carries multiple political and economic implications, reflecting the Syrian transitional authority’s interest in the importance of the tourism sector as an engine for development and for redefining Syria’s image regionally and internationally.
The Syrian Future Movement appreciates this gesture, which places the tourism sector at the forefront of the transitional phase’s priorities. The President’s visit to Arwad Island, whose historical roots extend back more than five thousand years and which is the only inhabited island in Syria, sent a clear message to the world that Syria has embraced its tourism future with confidence and hope.
We also see in this event the embodiment of a national vision that seeks to invest in the country’s natural and cultural heritage, not only to generate economic returns but also to rebuild the relationship between citizens and their natural and historical environment, and to create decent job opportunities for young people.
The Syrian Future Movement indicates that the success of this message hinges on translating it into practical steps on the ground. Despite the importance of presidential attention, the tourism sector in Syria, and particularly on Arwad Island, faces structural challenges that require urgent and sustainable solutions. The Syrian Future Movement warns that the deteriorating infrastructure (water, electricity, and sewage networks) and inadequate transportation (reliance on small ferries) could hinder the desired tourism boom if not accompanied by ambitious development plans.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its consistent support for developing the tourism sector and its infrastructure, which has been published on its official website, including:
- The statement issued by the Syrian Tourist Police on May 19, 2026, in which it commended the establishment of this specialized force as a crucial element for attracting investment and reassuring visitors, and emphasized that success requires “expanding its geographical reach” and “integrating its roles.”
- A statement titled “Government Plan to Repair Bridges and Develop Vital Roads in Syria” (dated June 2, 2026) praised the government’s approach to rehabilitating transportation infrastructure, deeming it a necessary step to support the tourism sector and facilitate visitor access to various destinations.
- A study titled “Reconstruction Priorities in Syria: Between Challenges and Aspirations” (dated December 19, 2024) indicated that developing the tourism sector, particularly in coastal areas, should be a priority in reconstruction efforts, given its potential to create jobs and generate quick returns.
The Syrian Future Movement expresses cautious optimism and offers a set of recommendations to ensure that the President’s visit becomes a genuine starting point for a comprehensive tourism revival.
Therefore, and based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following to the government and relevant authorities:
- Expedite the launch of a comprehensive plan to develop the infrastructure of Arwad Island, including water, sewage, and electricity networks, and modern transportation systems (larger and faster vessels, and well-equipped docks), with binding timelines and transparent allocated budgets.
- Develop professional international and Arab promotional programs targeting specific markets (such as cultural tourism, family tourism, and adventure tourism), befitting the island’s history and natural diversity, while drawing on the successful experiences of similar tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.
- Involve the private sector and the local community in the management and development of the island by offering clear investment incentives and ensuring that local residents are key partners in the tourism revival, while preserving the island’s unique heritage and urban fabric.
- Link tourism promotion to training and development programs for local personnel in the fields of hospitality, tour guiding, and services, to guarantee a high-quality visitor experience and create real and sustainable job opportunities for young people in Tartous and other Syrian governorates.
In conclusion, the Syrian Future Movement reiterates its welcome of this historic visit, which opens new horizons for the tourism sector. It considers this visit a true test of the state’s ability to translate presidential patronage into tangible development.
We urge the transitional government to capitalize on this momentum and not allow it to dissipate in the labyrinth of bureaucracy. The true success of this step will not be measured by the size of the media presence, but rather by its ability to transform Arwad Island into a model for developing Syrian tourism and a cultural showcase reflecting the image of a new Syria: safe, prosperous, and welcoming to the world.
