نشأة الارشاد السياحي ومراحل تطوره في سورية

Abstract

ABSTRACT □

This study aims to explore the emergence and development of the tourist guiding profession in Syria by tracing its historical stages from ancient times, with a particular focus on the factors that contributed to shaping and evolving the profession over time. The research approaches tourist guidance as a cultural and civilizational activity closely linked to mobility, knowledge, and intercultural interaction, emphasizing the Syrian context as a historically and culturally rich environment.

The research adopts a descriptive-historical methodology, analyzing relevant texts and sources related to tourist guidance, along with examining the legal and institutional frameworks that have accompanied the profession’s development—particularly the role of governmental institutions in regulating the sector and training its workforce. It also sheds light on digital transformation and the evolution of tourist guiding tools and methods.

The findings reveal that tourist guidance in Syria has undergone multiple phases, beginning with roles of direction and escort in caravans and temples, eventually developing into an officially recognized profession within a legal and institutional framework. The research highlights clear governmental efforts to promote this profession; however, it still faces several challenges, including weak tourism infrastructure, the absence of a unified body to represent tourist guides, and unequal employment opportunities.

The study concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at developing the tourist guiding sector in Syria, by enhancing academic training, updating legal frameworks, and improving working conditions—all of which contribute to supporting sustainable development in this vital sector