Syria’s Ministry of Tourism announced on Friday a new development project to improve a hotel in the capital Damascus, as the new authorities in the country attempt to revive the tourism sector after 14 years of civil war.

What happened: The project's inauguration was held on Thursday evening at the former Sheraton Damascus Hotel, which became the Seven Gates Hotel, the ministry said in a statement. The renovations are part of a development project by Le Park Concord, a Saudi hospitality group.

In attendance were the Syrian president's media and public policy affairs adviser, Ahmed Zidan, Syrian ministers, director of the Syrian Investment Authority Mahmoud al-Hilali and foreign ambassadors. Also present were CEO of Le Park Concord Fiaz Talal al-Enezi and his accompanying delegation and the Saudi charge d’affaires in Damascus, Abdullah al-Haris.

Syrian Minister of Tourism Mazen al-Salhani, who attended the event, hailed the project as “a major step forward in our efforts to revitalize Syria’s tourism industry and unlock its true full potential.”