Damascus - Eleven heritage hotels have been inaugurated in the Old City of Damascus through restoring ancient buildings without any changes in their architectural aspect.
The SP 1 billion (USD 22 millions) project is part of framework of maintaining the Old City due to its high tourist importance as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited city.
Minister of Tourism Saadallah Agha al-Qalaa told reporters that the number of tourists visiting Syria in the first quarter of 2010 has increased by 71% compared with the same period of last year.
The Minister added that other important tourist projects will be inaugurated by the end of 2010. He talked about the standing development of the accommodation capacity through constructing and restoring more hotels in order to host more tourists in addition to boosting the tourist service sector.
Agha al-Qalaa indicated that tourist development which is taking place in the country has increased tourists' movement to Syria.
"Tourist utilities would make it possible for millions of tourists to get acquainted with Damascus' heritage." The Minister said.
He added that works of restoring old buildings are being done in coordination with Damascus Governorate according to a plan set to maintain the architectural features of the city's ancient buildings and streets.
By R. Milhem / M.O.
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
