Wyndham and Accor Detail Hotel Plans for Syria

Senior executives of international hotel chains have outlined expansion plans in the Syrian market, confirming that negotiations are under way and projects are being prepared in the hospitality sector.

Wyndham's Position

Dimitris Manikis, head of Wyndham for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said the company is confident of announcing its first agreement in Syria very soon. The statement is attributed to him, and the source gives no location or details for the agreement.

Minor Hotels and Old Damascus

Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels for the Middle East and Africa, said some buildings in Old Damascus could be converted into boutique hotels, alongside the development of new hotel projects. He noted that Syria's history and strategic location give it significant potential for tourism growth.

He added that the existing hotel stock needs extensive development, after years in which properties were out of service or their readiness declined.

Accor Group Negotiations

Duncan O'Rourke, CEO for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific at Accor, stated that the company is holding advanced-stage negotiations on two projects in Syria.

Arada Real Estate Project

UAE real estate developer Arada announced plans to enter the Syrian market through a project valued at about $7 billion. The available information does not include further details on its location or timeline.