Following the bombing in Majdal Shams, the retaliation in the southern suburbs and Israeli threats to annihilate Lebanon, panic has gripped expatriates and the few tourists who decided, against all odds, to spend their holidays in the Land of the Cedars. This Is Beirut provides an update with the help of professionals in the tourism sector.
Although the 2024 summer season initially seemed less promising compared to the record-breaking year of 2023, it still started off well. Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza and southern Lebanon, the numbers were fairly positive, with around 14,000 people arriving daily at Beirut International Airport and 85 to 90 planes landing on a daily basis.
Lebanon relies heavily on these summer months to generate significant revenue. In 2023, the tourism sector contributed 30% to the GDP, amounting to $5.4 billion in revenue. Unfortunately, these figures will likely be hard to match this year. The revenue generated by visitors in the summer of 2023 was approximately $3.8 billion, compared to $3.5 billion in 2022 and $1.2 billion in 2021.
As for August, amid the escalating situation, Jean Abboud, the president of the Union of Travel and Tourism Agencies in Lebanon, told This Is Beirut that neither the data nor the figures are clear yet due to the disruption of flights. However, sources within the national airline, MEA, have reported some cancellations without specifying the exact number.
The hotel industry is experiencing a severe downturn. Pierre Achkar, the president of the Federation of Tourism and Hotel Owners’ Unions, mentioned that hotel occupancy rates, which did not reach 30% in July (compared to 70% in 2023), have been plummeting since the onset of threats against Lebanon. He pointed out that most expatriates have their own homes in Lebanon, and the few tourists who do stay in hotels are canceling their reservations through booking.com. To cover operational costs, a hotel needs an occupancy rate between 30% and 50%. The situation is seen as desperate.
Guesthouses are also impacted. Ramzi Salman, the president of the Union of Guest House Owners, stated that June and July were excellent months, but August is looking less promising due to the situation. A slowdown has already been noticed, with cancellations for August stays being recorded.
For restaurants, Khaled Naha, the vice president of the Restaurant Owners’ Union, reported widespread confusion and panic, with fears of airport closures and many expatriates leaving. These expatriates typically boosts the sector during these two months. Restaurant occupancy rates have declined, and Naha hopes that the situation does not worsen.
Adding to the woes, three major concerts scheduled in Beirut for August have been canceled. These include performances by Tamer Hosny on August 3; Assi al-Hallani, Haifa Wehbe and a DJ on August 8; and Assala on August 10.
