São Paulo – Syria is interested in attracting a larger number of South American tourists, especially Brazilian. The intention was expressed during a meeting between the Syrian minister of Tourism, Saadullah Agha Al-Qalaa, and the director of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Sami Roumieh, in Damascus. The director is now in Syria for a series of meetings with authorities and to accompany the Brazilian participation in the Damascus International Fair, which started this week and will continue until next Wednesday (22nd).
According to Roumieh, Syria has several tourists attractions. The director mentions the fact that the country has a religious history linked to both Christianity and Islamism. It was on a mission to Damascus, according to biblical history, that Paul the Apostle, then a devoted follower of the Jewish tradition, converted himself to Christianity. The country also features, he underscores, cultural and historical attractions, the Mediterranean Sea, luxury hotels, among others. “There are palaces from the Roman and Byzantine empires that are still standing,” he says.
Roumieh had a meeting of approximately 50 minutes with the minister, during which the authority requested a series of information on Brazil that may be useful for increasing tourist flow. According to the Arab Brazilian Chamber director, Brazilians do travel to Syria, but a large share of them do so because they are either descendants of Syrians or because some friend or acquaintance in the colony suggested the trip. Roumieh and the minister met at the Sheraton Hotel. Roumieh also visited the Ministry of Planning of the Arab country.
The Arab Brazilian Chamber is participating in the Damascus International Fair with an institutional stand. At the site, catalogues by Brazilian companies interested in doing business in the Syrian market are on display. The fair is multisectoral. According to the Market Development analyst of the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Rafael Abdulmassih, the stand was sought by visitors who wanted information on Brazil.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
