As-Suwayda - Sana
The internal tourism movement in As-Suwayda Governorate witnessed a remarkable activity during the current season by going to popular places within it or organizing dozens of trips to other governorates, especially after the return of security, stability and normal life to most areas.
A growing activity in line with the efforts of the Tourism Directorate within the framework of the plan of the Ministry of Tourism and the Federation of Syrian Tourism Chambers to activate low-cost domestic tourism, according to the Director of As-Suwayda Tourism, Yarob Al-Arbeed, as it represents an important destination for those wishing to visit and popular visit to tourist places, in cooperation with the Southern Region Chamber of Tourism and tour operator offices.
The Director of Tourism explained that the past period witnessed a great turnout by the people, especially during holidays and feasts, to visit and frequent the natural places, which are a natural outlet for them and one of the most important tourist attractions in the governorate, pointing out that the Ministry of Tourism activates the axis of tourism promotion and marketing by preparing breaks and promotional materials about it. In addition to the studies prepared by the Directorate on how to invest the surroundings of dams, reserves and forest areas as destinations for popular tourism while preserving their sanctuary within the Water Legislation Law in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
The increase in internal trips outside the governorate thanks to the return of security and stability in most of the Syrian regions was also present, according to Al-Arbeed, who indicated that the number of licensed trips that obtained the necessary approval reached 150 domestic tourist trips that were implemented by the duly licensed tourist institutions since the beginning of the 2021 season to date. With providing all the necessary facilities for these trips, emphasizing commitment to its announced programs, and providing the best services to pioneers and visitors by the organizing institutions.
Al-Arbeed pointed out that the city of Damascus and its countryside are the most important destinations for domestic tourism trips that depart from As-Suwayda to visit religious and natural destinations, especially in Sednaya, Maaloula, Bloudan and Yafour, in addition to the town of Arna in the Jabal Sheikh and the shrine of the Prophet Habil, as well as Homs governorate and its western countryside to enjoy beautiful rural scenery and areas. Important archaeological sites such as Al-Hosn Castle, Al-Kafroon, Mashta Al-Helou, Al-Dawayat Cave, Arwad Island in Tartous Governorate, in addition to Lattakia to enjoy its beautiful sea and beaches, and the beauty of nature in the mountainous areas, with a visit to the valleys of Zagrine, Qandil, Kassab, Samra village, Blue Beach, Valley of the Kings, Mashkita and others.
For his part, Samer Al-Sunaih, the owner of an office for tourism, travel and the organization of tourist trips in the Suwayda Governorate, stated that his office organized during the current season several tourist trips on a weekly basis to Homs, the areas of Slanfeh, the Cedar Forest, Wadi Qandil, Mashkita, Zahr Safar, the cave of Al-Dwayyat, Mashta Al-Helou, in addition to the Tartous Corniche, Arwad Island, and Al-Samihaqiah area. As far as Lattakia and the Kassab area, pointing to the great turnout received by such trips and the interaction they achieve between visitors from As-Suwayda and the people of the visited tourist areas.
In turn, Thaer Ismail Al-Zaher, owner of a tourism and travel organization in the city of As-Suwayda, pointed out that he has organized many tourist trips inside and outside As-Suwayda Governorate, in the context of encouraging low-cost domestic tourism and also contributing to supporting the tourism sector and tourist facilities, whether in As-Suwayda or abroad.
Suhail Hatoum