South Africa, Syria Strengthen Tourism Ties with Landmark Damascus Seminar

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South Africa is strengthening tourism ties with Syria through proactive initiatives, highlighted by a recent seminar hosted by the South African Embassy in Damascus. Held on February 17, the event brought together Syrian travel agencies and tourism stakeholders to showcase South Africa’s diverse attractions and announce streamlined travel measures to boost visitor numbers from the region.

According to Travel & Tour World, the seminar is the first of its kind in recent years. It was organised by the embassy in Syria and focused on introducing Syrian professionals to South Africa’s world-class tourism offerings. Attendees learned about the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, including iconic national parks such as Kruger, dramatic coastlines along the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, majestic mountains, and vibrant urban centres such as Cape Town and Johannesburg. South Africa’s appeal spans adventure activities, such as safaris, hiking, diving, and wildlife encounters, to cultural immersion in its rich heritage, multicultural cities, and historical sites tied to the anti-apartheid struggle.

A major highlight was the announcement regarding South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Already in a phased rollout since late 2025, the system is set for a broader expansion in 2026 to cover more countries requiring visas, including potentially those in the Middle East, such as Syria. President Ramaphosa emphasised in recent addresses that the ETA will enable digital applications for tourist visas, with processing times as short as 24 hours for eligible travellers. This modernisation replaces slower, traditional visa processes, making South Africa more accessible and competitive as a global destination.

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South Africa welcomed around 10 million international tourists in the previous year, reflecting robust recovery and growth in the sector. However, arrivals from Syria and the broader Middle East remain modest, presenting significant untapped potential. Embassy officials, including Ambassador Ashraf Yusuf Suliman, stressed that tourism serves as a powerful bridge for bilateral relations, fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and economic benefits. The event underscored how enhanced people-to-people connections can deepen ties between the two nations.

Contributions from South African representatives added depth to the discussions. The honorary consul in Aleppo highlighted South Africa’s temperate climate, welcoming atmosphere, and varied experiences, ranging from adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene nature retreats, which particularly suit travellers from the Middle East seeking diverse escapes. Suggestions emerged for follow-up events later in the year to sustain momentum and encourage further collaboration among travel operators in both countries.

On the Syrian side, the tourism industry continues its steady recovery despite regional challenges. Local officials view international partnerships, particularly with complementary destinations, such as South Africa, as vital to revitalisation. A South African-Syrian tour guide attending the seminar praised the opportunity to highlight South Africa’s wildlife safaris, pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and adventure tourism, and expressed optimism that such outreach would inspire Syrian travellers to explore these unique offerings.

South Africa, situated at Africa’s southern tip and home to a population exceeding 60 million, boasts well-developed infrastructure, including modern airports, transportation networks, and hospitality services aligned with international standards. Its cultural diversity, blending indigenous, European, Asian, and African influences, creates inclusive experiences for global visitors.

The Damascus seminar represents an important step in a broader strategy to expand tourism partnerships. By simplifying entry procedures and promoting awareness, South Africa aims to attract more visitors from emerging markets, including Syria, while contributing to economic growth and cross-cultural dialogue. As the ETA system matures and additional promotional activities unfold, prospects for sustained tourism collaboration between the two countries appear promising, offering exciting opportunities for travellers and industry participants alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

1. What was the purpose of the recent tourism seminar in Damascus?

The seminar, organised by the South African Embassy, introduced Syrian travel agencies to South Africa’s attractions and discussed ways to increase bilateral tourism, including streamlined visa procedures.

2. What is South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation System (ETA)?

The ETA is a digital authorisation that allows eligible, visa-required nationals to apply online for tourism visits without a traditional visa sticker. It’s rolling out in phases, starting in 2025, with expansion planned for 2026 to additional countries and ports of entry.

3. How fast will visa processing be under the expanded ETA?

Applications for tourist visas are expected to be processed digitally within 24 hours once the system is fully extended to relevant countries.

4. Why is tourism from Syria to South Africa currently limited?

While South Africa attracts millions of visitors annually, Syrian arrivals remain low due to traditional visa complexities and limited awareness. The seminar aims to address this untapped market.

5. What attractions in South Africa appeal to Syrian or Middle Eastern travellers?

Highlights include wildlife safaris in national parks, adventure sports, beautiful coastlines, mountains, vibrant cities, and cultural experiences in a welcoming, temperate environment.

6. Will the ETA apply to Syrian passport holders?

The system is expanding to all visa-required countries in the coming year (2026), which could include Syria, simplifying access for tourism purposes. Check official updates from the South African Department of Home Affairs for eligibility.