Website: http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=28031
DAMASCUS - Syria is hoping to welcome six million tourists a year over the next three years and generate 3.4 billion dollars in tourism revenues, the official SANA news agency said on Wednesday.
SANA said the government wants to promote religious tourism in particular. It pointed to the more than 200 mosques in Damascus alone, including the world famous Umayyad Great Mosque, and to the country's rich Christian heritage.
About three-quarters of Syrians are Sunni Muslims, but there is a Christian minority. The country also has a significant Alawi community to which President Bashar al-Assad himself belongs.
The Damascus shrine of Sayidda Zeinab, daughter of the Shiite martyr Ali and granddaughter of the Muslim Prophet Mohammed, is a major draw for foreign pilgrims, particularly from Iran.
SANA said the shrine receives about two million visitors a year, who generate about 40 million dollars in revenues.
Features news, stories, and insight regarding the $18 billion and 300 million traveler worldwide faith-based vacations, cruise, and hospitality market.
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- kevinjwright
- Kevin J. Wright is one of the world's most recognized religious travel and hospitality authorities. He founded and served as President of the World Religious Travel Association, the leading organization dedicated to the 300 million traveler faith tourism industry. He also served as Chairman of the World Religious Travel Expo, drawing more than 30 countries from around the world. Wright has been interviewed by the CBS Early Show, TIME Magazine, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, National Public Radio (NPR), National Geographic, Forbes Traveler, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, and dozens of other media outlets. He is the author of four travel guidebooks.
Faith-based Tourism
300 million travelers worldwide
