Bosra al-Sham Reclaims Its Tourism Footing With Infrastructure Upgrades

The ancient city of Bosra al-Sham, located in the eastern countryside of Daraa Governorate, is experiencing a notable revival in tourism activity. the city has welcomed thousands of visitors from European, American, and Asian nationalities, alongside delegations from across Syrian governorates. Visitors have flocked to the city's celebrated landmarks, including the citadel, the Roman amphitheater, the Monastery of the Monk Bahira, and the site known as Sarir Bint al-Malik. The resumption of school and cultural excursions has further restored vitality to these archaeological sites.

Local Officials Assess the Recovery

Jihad al-Quwaider, Director of Tourism in Daraa, that tourism movement in Bosra al-Sham is now considerably stronger compared , when inbound tourism to the governorate had effectively collapsed. He attributed the renewed interest primarily to the city's exceptional historical and civilizational value, noting that Bosra al-Sham represents multiple ancient civilizations within a single, well-preserved urban fabric, making it an essential destination for both Arab and foreign visitors to Syria. Abdullah al-Miqdad, head of the Bosra al-Sham City Council, confirmed that tourism activity has resumed reflecting improved security conditions and the return of stability to the region, factors that have encouraged visitors to return and helped breathe new life into the city's heritage sites.

Service Upgrades for Visitors

Al-Miqdad outlined a series of practical measures the city council has undertaken in preparation for the tourism season, including:

• Intensified cleaning campaigns around the archaeological citadel and public gardens
• Restoration of water features and fountains, and the commencement of garden rehabilitation around heritage sites
• A ban on motorcycles entering tourist sites and public gardens
• Improved lighting across tourism zones
• Launch of new investment concessions covering the tourist cafeteria, the Trajana Garden café, and the Birkat al-Hajj garden, to provide quality dining and visitor amenities

Al-Miqdad also noted efforts, in coordination with the Directorate of Tourism, to reactivate the tourist information office, and to engage international organizations in providing concessional loans for the restoration of historic houses and the return of their residents.

Plans for Sector Development

The Director of Tourism in Daraa disclosed that several studies and plans are underway to strengthen the tourism sector in Bosra al-Sham. Chief among these is a feasibility study for the restoration of the Bosra al-Sham Hotel, situated near the archaeological citadel, with negotiations ongoing with potential investors to bring the property back into service. Work is also advancing on launching new events and developing complementary tourism routes that celebrate Haurani customs and heritage, including a planned traditional popular market. Al-Quwaider added that a comprehensive file is being prepared for the revival of the Bosra al-Sham Festival, an undertaking that demands significant organizational and logistical effort given the festival's cultural and artistic standing. On the promotional front, the Ministry of Tourism and its Daraa directorate are producing documentary video and photo content for use at international tourism exhibitions, alongside partnerships with marketing firms in Arab and European countries to attract wider audiences.