Damascus - Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Otri and Murat Dedeman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dedeman Holding, on Tuesday discussed cooperation prospects in tourism sector and training cadres.
The two sides reviewed the situation of the hotel facilities invested by Dedeman Group in Syria, stressing the importance of developing its services and utilities as to be a tourist attraction and an economic activity hub.
Ministry of Tourism, Turkish Dedeman Sign Memo of Understanding
The Ministry of Tourism and the Turkish Dedeman Tourism Investment Company signed a memo of understanding on training and rehabilitation of staff to work in tourist facilities in Syria.
Minister of Tourism Saadallah Agha al-Qalaa said the memo will provide more skills and experiences to instructors and Syrian trainees.
Minister al-Qalaa added that the Ministry is considering cooperation possibilities with the Dedeman Group to participate in introducing Syria and Turkey as a joint tourist area.
Al-Qalaa indicated that Dedeman had signed a fourth contract to manage a hotel in Lattakia province. The previous contracts comprise hotels in Damascus, Aleppo and Palmyra.
He hoped Dedeman will play an effective role in encouraging the Turkish investors to enter the tourist investment market in Syria.
For his part, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dedeman Holding Murat Dedeman said the company will work on marketing Syria and Turkey as a unified tourist destination.
He pointed out to the joint history of the two countries and cancellation of entry visas between them, which constitutes an important motive for Turkish investors to invest in Syria.
He added that the company is interested in expanding its activities in Syria.
Later, the Chairman of the Board of Directors held a press conference at Dedeman Hotel in Damascus, underlining Syria's unique tourist location as it represents a portal to the Arab world and possesses elements that encourage investors to establish projects in it.
He pointed out that many tourists who visit Turkey also visit Syria, which encourages establishing a joint tourism area, adding that Dedeman Holding will promote tourism in Syria through its hotels in the Turkish cities of Gaziantep, Urfa and Diyarbakir.
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2011
