Tourism in Lebanon Simon Massabni
Lebanon:
Reconstructing Tourism
By Simon Peter Massabni
October 13, 2014
Lebanon; Reconstructing Tourism
Since the dawn of time, Lebanon has been an expression attributed to a small land located in the center of the world, laying side by side with the Mediterranean Sea and featuring four clearly distinct seasons. In the winter, visitors from all around the world fly over to enjoy the snowy mountains of Faraya. In the Autumn, villages become crowded with enthusiasts who love to enjoy the chilly Lebanese breeze. In the spring and in the summer, days become nights and nights become days where party goers and tourists from around the globe invade every existing resort by the sea and up the hills. A land where people are welcoming, a land where the sea and the mountains are only 30 minutes apart. This same land today faces the bitter truth of regression in several sectors and mostly in tourism. When analyzing the current situation in Lebanon, one can find that there are several factors that make Lebanon attractive for Tourism. From the beautiful nature to archeological ruins, to nightlife and entertainment. What is the problem today? Why is there a lag in the wellbeing of a sector with a very impressive history? Going back in time, studies show that Lebanon's population grew more than 50% during the summer. This huge increase in population is due to tourism. There are ways to look at weaknesses that are hitting tourism in Lebanon. And hence there are possible solutions to revive this sector and to bring it back to its glories. Accordingly, several aspects in Lebanon require renovation in order to result in a healthy Tourism sector; The political situation, the economy and the society. Researchers have the shown that in 2011 the number of visitors to Lebanon fell to 1,655,000 which means a fall of 24% from the year before. The number has been falling gradually ever since knowing that conflicts in the region have not spared Lebanon the devastating
Reconstructing Tourism
By Simon Peter Massabni
October 13, 2014
Lebanon; Reconstructing Tourism
Since the dawn of time, Lebanon has been an expression attributed to a small land located in the center of the world, laying side by side with the Mediterranean Sea and featuring four clearly distinct seasons. In the winter, visitors from all around the world fly over to enjoy the snowy mountains of Faraya. In the Autumn, villages become crowded with enthusiasts who love to enjoy the chilly Lebanese breeze. In the spring and in the summer, days become nights and nights become days where party goers and tourists from around the globe invade every existing resort by the sea and up the hills. A land where people are welcoming, a land where the sea and the mountains are only 30 minutes apart. This same land today faces the bitter truth of regression in several sectors and mostly in tourism. When analyzing the current situation in Lebanon, one can find that there are several factors that make Lebanon attractive for Tourism. From the beautiful nature to archeological ruins, to nightlife and entertainment. What is the problem today? Why is there a lag in the wellbeing of a sector with a very impressive history? Going back in time, studies show that Lebanon's population grew more than 50% during the summer. This huge increase in population is due to tourism. There are ways to look at weaknesses that are hitting tourism in Lebanon. And hence there are possible solutions to revive this sector and to bring it back to its glories. Accordingly, several aspects in Lebanon require renovation in order to result in a healthy Tourism sector; The political situation, the economy and the society. Researchers have the shown that in 2011 the number of visitors to Lebanon fell to 1,655,000 which means a fall of 24% from the year before. The number has been falling gradually ever since knowing that conflicts in the region have not spared Lebanon the devastating