Gulf Crisis, internal reforms and regional wars revive tourism in Lebanon

Hotel reservations up by 25% compared to last year; 65% of the structures booked out. The goal is to return to the golden years, but experts preach caution.   

Beirut (AsiaNews) - After a prolonged period of crisis, the tourism industry in Lebanon seems to be undergoing a rebirth and the streets are becoming crowded with visitors: expatriates, Gulf and European citizens have rediscovered one of the most famous spots in the region between the19 50s and 1960s, when Beirut was known as "Paris of the Middle East".

The numbers fuel optimism: for the first time since the beginning of the war in neighboring Syria, in March 2011, the hospitality sector recorded a positive overall result. And the crisis crossed by the nations of the area - from Turkey to Syria, from Iraq to Qatar - is benefiting the land of the cedars.

Only four years ago, Lebanon appeared to be on the brink of a new crisis, particularly as regards internal security. The outbreak of war in neighboring Syria seemed destined to extend even within Lebanese borders. Now industry experts talk about a new start, as Lebanese Tourism Minister Avedis Guidanian says: "I am aware that the region is experiencing difficult moments, but Lebanon seems to be enjoying greater fortune."

Some key policy issues that have characterized the last two years have further strengthened the path to stability: the election of the new head of state, the formation of a government, the approval of the electoral law that opens the way to New parliamentary elections, expected since 2013 with a double prolongation of the legislature on the margins of constitutionality.

While in a critical time, the authorities have been able to respond to the issue of security by containing the episodes of violence and repelling the jihadist militias who had previously crossed the border from Syria. Added to this is the refugee emergency, which sees Lebanon in the front row in giving assistance to those fleeing war and hunger.

This phenomenon has had serious internal repercussions, with a 1.1 million citizens [out of a total of about 4.4 million] living below the poverty line, 28% unemployment with a greater incidence among young people. This, AsiaNews sources say, ends up "impoverishing our economy, our society" already marked by long-lasting problems such as corruption and garbage disposal emergency.

For many visitors, the first impact with the Land of Cedars is striking. Ali Abdul Kareem, a 24-year veteran from Basra, points out: "Indeed, we Iraqis are grateful and we are fortunate to visit the Lebanese people." In the past, he used to spend his holidays in Iran and the United Arab Emirates. This year, the choice has fallen "for the first time" on Beirut and the hope is "it will not be the last" as he is planning other trips in the future.

The numbers confirm a trend that is becoming more and more positive: hotel reservations have grown by 25% over the same period last year, reaching 65% for the summer. For the recent celebration of Eid al-Fitr  surpassed the arrivals of 24,000, even in this case with an increase over the previous year when the data stopped at 19,000. From the 2.17 million entry in 2010 - one of the golden years for the industry - it has risen to 1.5 million in 2015, and to 1.7 million last year. For 2017, the trend is further growth, although data for the past seven years is far behind.

Compared to the past, there is no longer a tourism related to the luxury sector, and visits to Gulf nations have fallen, but a new type of user is developing in parallel, thanks to the use of social services. Of course, a less prosperous tourist, but not less attentive and curious about the beauties that the country offers and who can take advantage of the increase in air connections - the only way to enter the country, with the exception of Syrian citizens - from and to Lebanon. Industry experts preach caution and say that it is still too early to celebrate, given the volatile nature of the country and the entire region, but a widespread optimism prevails in the environment. (DS)

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