General Travel News
Syria Tourist Numbers Increase 12 Percent
Government statistics show that the number of tourists visiting Syria last year increased 12 percent compared to 2008. Syria received about six million tourists in 2009, including 1.1 million Syrian expatriates and 3.5 million Arabs. There are a number of important sites of antiquities in Syria, including the ancient city of Palymra.
Industry specialists say Syria’s practice of deeming nearly every foreigner who enters the country a tourist is misleading. The country had been under United States sanctions since 2004 because of its support for militant groups, although relations with the West have improved and Washington is seeking rapprochement. New hotels have been built in Syria over the last few years, mainly in Aleppo and Damascus, but the quality is not as good as in neighboring Jordan and Lebanon.
More General Travel News
Latest Travel News
Featured Sights To See
Dublin Castle
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin Castle is steeped in the rich history of Ireland. It was first built in the early thirteenth century by Normans after their invasion of Ireland. The original castle was completed around 1230. The design was typical of Norman fortifications -- four walls with towers in each corner. The buildings and the purpose of the castle changed throughout the years. It serv...
Ben Thanh Market
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Ben Thanh Market is the biggest attraction in Ho Chi Min City for all tourists as it is the main shopping centre and everyone visiting Vietnam comes here looking for bargains. The market is very well organized with an array of stalls arranged in sections according to what they sell. The Ben Thanh is also huge on souvenir shops. Jewelry, souvenirs, clothing, luggage, shoes, and a wide varie...
Guinness Brewery and Storehouse
Dublin, Ireland
Nothing says Ireland quite like a cold Guinness. The harp that graces every bottle is an internationally recognized symbol of Irish culture. The drink itself is a thick, dark beer known as stout. Brewing began in 1759 at the Saint James's Gate Brewery by Arthur Guinness. At the end of that year he signed a 9,000 year lease at £45 per year for the previously unused brewery.&...
Beach
Karachi, Pakistan
The beach, commonly called Clifton, is a long stretch of shore. It extends from southern parts of Karachi to the northwestern Karachi coasts, where it merges with the eastern coasts of Baluchistan. The common areas of the beach ideal for recreation include: The Clifton area, also called Seaview; The Sandspit area (a long drive from the main Clifton beach, much quieter and calmer, ideal p...