Syria Launches Capacity Building Program for Tourism Sector
The Syrian Arab Organization for Standardization and Metrology (SASMO) has officially launched a specialized training program aimed at enhancing the professional capabilities of the country’s tourism and services sector. The initiative, inaugurated at an event held in Damascus, focuses on implementing rigorous international standards for Halal-certified restaurants and tourism services.
This training program is being conducted in close cooperation with the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) and the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC). By partnering with these international bodies, the Syrian authorities intend to establish a robust national framework for Halal certification that meets global expectations, thereby facilitating better integration into the wider regional tourism market.
A primary objective of the program is to develop a cadre of national experts capable of overseeing the implementation and management of a national Halal quality system. The training covers the technical requirements necessary for hospitality and catering establishments to align their operations with Islamic standards. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to raise awareness across the industrial and service sectors regarding the economic importance of adhering to these standards, which is viewed as a vital step toward expanding technical cooperation and knowledge exchange with counterparts in other Islamic nations.
The launch event in Damascus saw the attendance of key figures from the tourism industry, service sector representatives, and various officials associated with quality control and standardization institutions. The meeting highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the regulatory framework governing the tourism sector, a move that is expected to encourage investment and improve service quality for both domestic and international visitors.
This development follows a significant milestone in Syria’s international engagement regarding quality standards. In November, Yasser Aliwi, the Director-General of SASMO, announced Syria’s formal accession to the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries. As a member organization under the umbrella of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the institute provides technical support and training aimed at unifying standards and building quality infrastructure. Through this partnership, Syria aims to streamline its trade and service sectors by adopting standardized evaluation systems and recognized conformity assessments. By aligning with these international protocols, local facilities are expected to gain a competitive edge while ensuring that their services meet the specific requirements of travelers and business partners from within the Islamic world.
