Syria has launched its first Touristech initiative at the historic Aleppo Citadel, combining digital technology, heritage preservation and interactive visitor experiences as the country seeks to modernise its tourism sector.
The initiative was launched on September 27 to mark World Tourism Day, with more than 1,500 guests attending the inauguration. The event was held under the patronage of Syria’s Ministry of Tourism and Aleppo Governorate and organised by Junior Chamber International Beroea and the Northern Region Tourism Chamber.
Touristech is designed as the first phase of a wider programme that aims to introduce technology-enabled tourism experiences at heritage and tourism sites across Syria.
Six digital stations bring Aleppo’s history to life
The initiative transforms the Aleppo Citadel into an interactive journey through around 5,000 years of history.
Six digital stations have been installed at key locations across the citadel. Visitors can access historical photographs, archaeological maps and other digital content through a QR code system, providing additional information about the site's history and heritage.
The stations have been designed to operate without electrical wiring inside the archaeological structure, allowing digital technology to be introduced without physically altering the historic site.
Syria’s Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani said the initiative aims to preserve the country’s heritage and national identity while using technology to present historical stories in new ways.
He said the Aleppo Citadel is the starting point for a model that could eventually be adapted across Syria’s tourism and heritage sites.
Online platform and digital archive expand access
The project extends beyond the physical visitor experience at the citadel.
Aleppo-based software and artificial intelligence company Raizer is developing an online platform and open digital archive containing resources related to the project. The platform is intended to make the material accessible to visitors, researchers and schools.
Touristech also includes a training programme for 20 young guides from Aleppo, supported by a standardised guidebook developed in collaboration with historians.
Another component, “Aleppo Tells Its Story” (Halab Tarwi), will bring historians and academics to the citadel for regular public sessions examining the city's history and heritage.
The sessions will be recorded and made available online, creating an expanding digital resource for audiences in Syria and abroad.
Aleppo Citadel to serve as model for wider rollout
The Aleppo Citadel was selected as the first Touristech location because of its historical significance and its position in the heart of Aleppo's Old City.
The initiative is intended to connect the citadel experience with the wider destination, including the Old City’s markets, traditional crafts, cuisine, music and other historic sites.
By linking visitors with these surrounding attractions, the project aims to support tourism activity across hotels, restaurants, markets, tour guides, artisans and other local businesses.
A Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) guide was also launched as part of the project. It documents how the digital experience is operated and provides a framework that can potentially be adapted for other tourism and heritage sites across Syria.
Ministry invites technology companies to participate
As the initiative moves into its next phase, the Ministry of Tourism is inviting Syrian, regional and international companies working in technology, digitisation, artificial intelligence and content development to contribute to the expansion of Touristech.
Al-Salhani said the initial project provides a model and operating framework that can be developed further for other heritage locations.
Syria has numerous archaeological and cultural sites that could potentially be incorporated into future digital tourism experiences, with technology being used to make heritage more accessible and interactive while limiting physical intervention at historic locations.
Aleppo Tourism Season also launched
The event also marked the launch of Aleppo Tourism Season, led by the Northern Region Chamber of Tourism in partnership with local tourism companies and agencies.
Together, the two initiatives aim to use digital technology to enhance visitor experiences, improve tourism services and generate greater activity for businesses connected to Aleppo's tourism economy.
The experience developed at the Aleppo Citadel, along with its operating model, is expected to inform future digital visitor initiatives at tourism and heritage sites across Syria.
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