US Edition
Lebanon aims to lure back wealthy Gulf tourists to jumpstart its war-torn economy
- Last month, Lebanon's Tourism Ministry organized a retro-themed gathering in Beirut aimed at boosting interest for the forthcoming summer travel period and rekindling the country's nostalgic appeal.
- The event follows decades of conflict that began with the 1975 civil war, then worsened relations with Gulf countries by the early 2000s due to Hezbollah's rise.
- Tourism, once a major economic driver accounting for nearly 20% of the economy before 2019, sharply declined amid wars and Gulf travel bans that have recently started lifting.
- Lebanon’s tourism minister, Laura Khazen Lahoud, emphasized the sector’s vital role in the country’s recovery, noting the importance of lifting travel bans. Analysts also identify tourism as Lebanon’s primary market at present.
- Although hopeful signs emerge with packed flights and rising bookings, experts warn that tourism alone cannot resolve Lebanon's deep economic crisis and widespread poverty.
25 Articles
25 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Lebanon aims to bring tourists back to its beaches as travel bans finally lift
The World Bank says poverty nearly tripled in Lebanon over the past decade
The Times of Israel
einnews.comLebanon seeks to lure back wealthy Gulf tourists to jumpstart war-torn economy
Beirut officials hope Saudi Arabia follows UAE, Kuwait in lifting years-long ban on travel; new leaders say they aim to disarm Hezbollah and revive pre-1975 golden era
In a bid to aid its economy, Lebanon hopes to return to golden age of tourism
Once known as the "Riviera of the Middle East", Lebanon lost its status as popular tourist destination when it became caught in the throes of war and decades of instability gnawed away its international relations. Now, the country aims to rebuild what it lost and help its ailing economy.
Lebanon aims to lure back Gulf tourists to jumpstart economy
Fireworks lit up the night sky over Beirut’s famous St. Georges Hotel as hit songs from the 1960s and 70s filled the air in a courtyard overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The retro-themed event was hosted last month by Lebanon’s Tourism Ministry to promote the upcoming summer season and perhaps recapture some of the good vibes from an era viewed as a golden one for the country. In the years before a civil war began in 1975, Lebanon was the go-to…
Lebanon eyes Gulf tourists as path to economic recovery, despite lingering challenges
Beirut is banking on tourism rebound to revive shattered economy and ties with Gulf nations, especially Saudi Arabia; officials hope easing travel bans and regional tensions will draw visitors back, but warn reforms are key to lasting recovery
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