Beirut- In a scene that reflects a reality that has become familiar in Lebanon, where military escalation and the increasing threat on the southern front intersect with the tourist season and life full of joy in several Lebanese regions, the contradictions of this country between war and life are highlighted.
It is certain that the escalating border confrontations did not stand in the way of the tourism season in Lebanon. Despite the statements of some Arab and European embassies and their recommendations to their citizens to leave and their advice to their citizens not to travel to Lebanon, these circumstances did not affect the activity of the tourism season or the return of Lebanese expatriates to their country.
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport recorded the highest numbers since the beginning of 2024 during last June, and this increase included the number of passengers to and from Lebanon, as well as flights by national, Arab and foreign airlines that use this vital facility.
Tourism in Lebanon in numbers
The number of arrivals to Lebanon since the beginning of the year until the end of last June reached 1,545,666 visitors, and the number of departures reached 1,452,996, according to airport data.
The number of arrivals to Lebanon reached 406,396 arrivals, compared to 427,854 arrivals in June 2023, a decrease of 5%.
In contrast, the number of departures was 300,362, compared to 280,366 in the same month last year, an increase of 7.13%.
Under the slogan “We are going on a journey, a journey”, the Ministry of Tourism launched its campaign for the 2024 season. Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar stressed during the launch ceremony that tourism contributes to providing job opportunities and increasing economic activity, which positively reflects on the lives of individuals and society. He pointed out that despite the increasing challenges, there is still hope.
Tourism recovery
Signs of tourism recovery have begun to appear through crowded restaurants and cafes. Khaled Nazha, Vice President of the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafes, Nightclubs and Patisseries, told Al Jazeera Net that “the tourism situation in Lebanon is considered acceptable so far, with optimism about an increase in the number of Lebanese expatriates coming from Arab and African countries, who constitute economic support for Lebanon.”
Nahza added, “In the areas of Beirut, the Metn coast, Batroun, Byblos and the mountain areas, the movement is currently witnessing excellent activity. This year is marked by the opening of 50 new restaurants, in addition to an increase in the movement of weddings and parties inside Lebanon. It is expected that these indicators will be positively reflected in supporting the tourism and economic sectors in the country.”
He pointed out that July and August are the peak months for tourism despite the current challenges, and he expected that if the security situation improves, the sector will witness a significant increase in the number of visitors, which will greatly enhance tourism activity.
Festival season
With the beginning of July, the picture of festivals in different regions for this season became clear, as most of the festivals announced their programs, such as the Beirut Holidays Festival, the Byblos International Festival, the Ehdeniyat International Festival, in addition to the Byblos and Batroun Festivals and others. Many huge concerts have also been planned for the next two months, which will bring together many first-class Lebanese and Arab stars.
Aida Al-Ahmad, who came to Lebanon from Kuwait, says that she loves spending her summer vacation in Lebanon.
She added, “The security situation does not prevent me from visiting my country, meeting my family and spending time with them. We are a people who deserve a beautiful life and enjoying every moment of it.”
She continued in her interview with Al Jazeera Net, “Lebanon offers us unforgettable atmospheres and experiences. We work all year round to come to Lebanon to enjoy this beautiful country.”
The situation was no different for Sarah Al-Khalil, who came from Saudi Arabia, as she confirmed to Al Jazeera Net that she prefers to spend her summer vacation in Lebanon.
She said, “The tension and aggression on the Lebanese border will not prevent me from visiting my beloved country and enjoying my time with my family. We are a people who have gone through war and peace in Lebanon, and every time we become more determined to return to our homeland.”
Issa Al-Qadri told Al Jazeera Net, “I was hesitant at first to go to Lebanon. Every vacation I visit Lebanon and spend it in our home in Kfar Shuba, but this time the war prevented us from spending the vacation in my town, but it did not prevent me from going to Lebanon and meeting my loved ones. We live the feeling of joy and sadness at the same time.”
Exceed expectations
In turn, researcher and economic expert Dr. Mahmoud Jabai praised the success of the tourism sector in Lebanon during this season, in terms of the movement of arrivals, especially Lebanese expatriates, and the movement of reservations and heavy movements during the last two months, stressing that it exceeded expectations in a positive way despite the limited war witnessed in the regions of southern Lebanon.
Speaking to Al Jazeera Net, Jabai said, “The number of visitors exceeded 400,000 in June, and this number is expected to rise to more than one million visitors during the season.”
He added that this situation created a kind of boom that is usual in the Lebanese tourism season, especially during the last three years.
Jabai continued, “Lebanon is a distinguished tourist destination throughout the year, as it attracts tourists in the winter, spring and summer seasons, and witnesses a continuous turnout during the holiday seasons by Lebanese, Arab and foreign expatriates.”
He said, “Today, despite the war, which can be said to be controlled within the scope of the south and approximately 50 villages, tourists come to Lebanon and book in hotels, which achieves a very acceptable financial injection, and in addition to that, the festivals witness a very high turnout and success.”
He estimated the expected revenues from tourism in the summer alone at between 3 and 3.5 billion dollars, noting that they could reach about 5 billion dollars throughout the year.
Jabai added, “To be realistic, there are areas that have been affected by security risks and tourism has stopped, which has affected between 7 and 10% of the total tourism revenue in Lebanon,” adding, “If the war stops, this will be reflected positively and the tourism rate will increase even more.”
