Palmyra Awaits Its Visitors.. And the Son of the Famous 'City Guardian' Calls for Investment in It

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The Syrian city of Palmyra is gradually regaining its tourism activity, albeit slowly, after years of war, while the damage inflicted on the archaeological city continues to hinder the resumption of excavation and restoration work that had stopped after the outbreak of the conflict in 2011, which ended with the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in late December 2024.

The city, located in central Syria and holding significant historical and archaeological importance, is witnessing a timid return of visitors and tourists since the overthrow of the previous regime. The tourism movement remains limited, mostly focused on domestic tourism and university students.

Tarik Khaled al-Assad, owner of the historic and archaeological Zenobia Hotel, told "Al Arabiya.net/Al Hadath.net" that the tourism movement in Palmyra is good, pointing to the availability of safety in the city. He called on foreign companies to invest in the tourism sector in Palmyra.

The son of the famous archaeologist Khaled al-Assad, who was known as the "Guardian of the City," added that the number of tourists remains limited and cannot be compared to the levels seen in previous years. He noted that the movement is mostly concentrated on domestic tourism, while foreign tourists in the city can be counted on one hand, according to him.

In this context, Al-Asaad, whose father was executed by ISIS in 2015, pointed out that his father, who refused to leave Palmyra during the years of war, sacrificed his life defending the heritage and global legacy, calling for renewed attention to the city and enhancing efforts to preserve its historical and archaeological heritage.

Palmyra has been a major stop on ancient trade routes for centuries. The archaeological city includes temples, a theater, columns, ancient streets, and tombs, in addition to the Palmyra oasis, which is linked to the historical landscape of the city.

UNESCO listed the site of Palmyra as a World Heritage Site in 1980, before it was later placed on the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger due to the repercussions of war and the damage inflicted on the site.

Parts of the archaeological site have suffered damage and destruction during the years of conflict, while UNESCO reports indicate a continued need for extensive documentation, assessment, and restoration work. Current recovery efforts include preparing plans to rehabilitate several landmarks and improve visitor reception facilities, as well as developing plans for site management and protection.

In the latest recovery plans, the scheduled work includes 3D documentation of some landmarks, damage assessment in the tombs, as well as projects to rehabilitate the National Museum in Palmyra, the visitor reception center, and other facilities related to the archaeological site.

The plans also included improving visitor management and linking the site to the economic and social life of the city and its surrounding area.

A source in the Culture Directorate of Homs Governorate, to which the city of Palmyra belongs, stated that the city is witnessing student tours, in addition to periodic tours organized by tourism rehabilitation centers. He added that one of the student tours taking place in Palmyra is the first of its kind since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime a few months ago, at a time when the return of tourism and educational activity to the city continues.

Regarding excavation work, the source emphasized that the damage caused by the war may require years before archaeological excavation missions obtain the necessary permits to resume their work in Palmyra.

The challenges facing the site are not limited to the damage caused by the war, as UNESCO also pointed to risks associated with illegal excavation, deterioration of some stone elements, and a lack of necessary funding for urgent preservation work.

The organization also confirmed that restoration work requires detailed studies, documentation, and structural assessment before implementing reconstruction operations, in order to preserve the authenticity of the site and its historical value.

Tadmur continues to struggle to regain its tourism status, while the resumption of excavation and restoration work represents a major challenge for revitalizing the city and preserving its archaeological heritage, as UNESCO still keeps the Tadmur site on the list of World Heritage sites in danger.