Saturday, June 14, 2025

Lebanon is setting its sights on a significant tourism revival as the country works to rebuild relationships with Gulf nations. Following a prolonged period of strained ties, Lebanon’s new leadership is making strides to foster closer connections with Gulf countries, positioning tourism as a key factor in the country’s economic recovery.

Lebanon’s government, under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun, is looking forward to a surge in tourists from the Gulf region. In a move that signals warmer relations, the UAE and Kuwait have lifted their travel bans on Lebanon. This comes after President Aoun’s visits to both countries, as well as trips to Saudi Arabia and Qatar following his inauguration in January.

Fouad Dandan, Lebanon’s ambassador to the UAE, shared his optimism, noting that Lebanon is “moving in the right direction” and regaining its place in the Arab world. “This is a Lebanese demand before anything else,” he added in an interview with The National.

For decades, Gulf tourists, particularly from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE, were vital contributors to Lebanon’s economy. However, relations became tense over the increasing influence of Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanese affairs. The political party and armed group has since been significantly weakened after the year-long war with Israel, which culminated in a peace agreement signed in November.

Recognizing the potential for an influx of Gulf visitors, Lebanon is investing in its tourism infrastructure. One of the key initiatives is the expansion of Beirut’s international airport. An additional terminal is being constructed to cater to the expected increase in arrivals. Furthermore, a new airport project, the Rene Mouawad Airport, is in the works. Located in Qlayaat, the new facility is expected to enhance cargo movement and facilitate affordable travel. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced plans to unveil the master plan soon and invited foreign investors to contribute to the project.

In addition to these efforts, Lebanon’s flag carrier, Middle East Airlines (MEA), is considering launching a low-cost carrier to serve popular destinations in the Middle East and Europe. The budget airline would operate independently but remain a wholly owned subsidiary of MEA. Chairman Mohamad El Hout mentioned that MEA had seen a notable increase in passenger traffic and is projecting year-on-year growth of 10-15% in the second half of 2025.

In light of Lebanon’s history of conflict, the country’s security forces are also taking significant measures to ensure the safety of visitors. To improve the overall experience for tourists, the Lebanese government has focused on enhancing security along the main routes from the airport to Beirut. A senior security official told The National that road repairs have been completed, and political banners and posters have been removed.

Perhaps most notably, there has been an increased police presence near the airport, particularly during the night-time hours. Security personnel are now stationed at additional checkpoints, tasked with monitoring suspicious vehicles and enforcing stricter fines for violations. These initiatives are designed to ensure tourists feel safe and confident while traveling in Lebanon.

Tourism has long been a crucial part of Lebanon’s economy, contributing an estimated 20% to the nation’s GDP. The Lebanese government is hoping to leverage the growth in Gulf visitors to jump-start the economy, which has been severely impacted by years of political instability, corruption, and mismanagement.

Jean Abboud, president of the Association of Travel and Tourist Agents in Lebanon, highlighted the positive trend in recent months. “Eid Al Adha gives a glimpse of how this summer will look,” he said. “We’re seeing new nationalities this year: Emiratis, Kuwaitis, and Qataris. Gulf tourists tend to spend more time and money in the country.”

Abboud also pointed out a notable rise in airport traffic, which increased by 11% in May compared to the same period in 2024. This momentum is seen as a promising sign for Lebanon’s tourism sector in the months ahead.

One of Lebanon’s key tourism attractions is its diverse landscape, featuring beautiful beaches, picturesque mountains, and vibrant nightlife. As the country rebuilds its economy, these attractions are expected to play a central role in enticing Gulf visitors. Lebanon is also aiming to position itself as a year-round destination, catering to different tastes—from skiing in the winter to sunbathing on the beaches in the summer.

The Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait, are expected to drive the recovery of Lebanon’s tourism sector. These countries have been significant sources of both leisure and business travelers in the past, and their return could be a game-changer for Lebanon’s economic future.

With Gulf visitors returning to Lebanon, there is renewed hope for the country’s tourism industry. The combination of a welcoming political climate, ongoing infrastructure developments, and increased security measures are all factors that position Lebanon to once again become a popular destination for Gulf tourists.

As the Lebanese government continues to foster stronger ties with the Arab world, there is optimism that tourism will play a pivotal role in the country’s economic revival. From the beaches of Byblos to the nightlife of Beirut, Lebanon’s diverse attractions offer something for every traveler.

The upcoming summer season and the momentum seen in airport traffic suggest that Lebanon’s tourism industry is well on its way to recovery. Whether visiting for leisure, business, or religious holidays, Gulf visitors are poised to play an instrumental role in Lebanon’s resurgence.