Year-end festivities in Lebanon are expected to unfold in a gloomy atmosphere, driven by regional instability and the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The war has cast a shadow over the country, where tension is still palpable.
Despite the challenges and lingering echoes of war in southern Lebanon and in Syria, the Lebanese are holding on to a spirit of resilience. However, this holiday season will test hopes for a significant influx of expatriates and tourists.
Jean Abboud, President of the Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies, explained to This is Beirut that with the current ceasefire, it’s difficult to compare booking figures for the 2024 festivities to those of 2023, when 60 airlines were operating at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport. Still, he noted a 75% increase in bookings compared to October and November of the previous year, with flight occupancy rates for the holiday season already reaching 90%.
Abboud explained that Lebanon is still awaiting confirmation from foreign airlines regarding the resumption of flights to Beirut.
Meanwhile, Pierre Achkar, President of the Federation of Tourism Unions and the Hotel Union, expressed deep pessimism about the upcoming holiday season, predicting a difficult period. Although bookings are nearly nonexistent, he stressed the importance of preparing for better days ahead, noting, “When peace returns to Lebanon, it becomes a popular destination.” He also pointed out that it is still too early to gauge hotel occupancy rates, particularly since foreign embassies have not yet lifted their travel advisories for Lebanon. However, Achkar mentioned that some hotels, like Habtoor in Sin el-Fil, have reopened their doors.
Ramzi Salman, President of the Union of Guest House Owners, told This is Beirut that “things are starting to move, but it’s still too early to talk about booking rates.” He explained that with the recent ceasefire, guesthouses are currently in the process of organizing, preparing their marketing and planning their programs for Christmas and New Year’s. “We’re receiving calls, there’s a certain momentum, but the ongoing reciprocal bombings require us to proceed cautiously,” he said. However, Salman revealed that guesthouses that had closed due to the war are planning to reopen by mid-December, with those in safer regions, such as Keserwan and Batroun, already back in operation.
Regarding restaurants, Khaled Naha, Vice President of the Restaurant Owners' Union, stated that restaurants, bakeries and nightclubs will strive to offer the best experience, with entertainment aimed at lifting the somber atmosphere in the country. Although no major events have been planned yet, he remains hopeful that the season will be successful and that expatriates will return to Lebanon to celebrate the holidays with their families.
Comments