1. Home
2. Economy
3. Adha in Lebanon: Full Hotels, Bustling Streets and a Resilient Spirit

Despite ongoing bombings, Lebanon packed in crowds for Eid al-Adha. With full hotels, lively restaurants and traffic-jammed roads, the country offered a strong preview of summer. The message is clear: Lebanon is betting on resilience and tourism, and it’s paying off.

Many expected the bombings to deter visitors. But in true Lebanese fashion, the country delivered a weekend of Eid al-Adha that rivaled its best tourism seasons.

The numbers speak for themselves: nearly 300,000 travelers passed through Beirut Airport in May, which is the highest monthly total since 2019. The atmosphere was festive, the coast buzzing and the mountains alive with visitors.

“We were at full capacity!” said Pierre Achkar, President of the Federation of Tourist Unions and the Hoteliers’ Union, his smile reflecting a wave of confirmed bookings. “Occupancy reached around 80% in Beirut and along the coast, and about 40% in the mountains,” he told This is Beirut.

By Wednesday, rates dip to 30%, a slowdown anticipated after a period of intense activity.

The positive trend extended to guesthouses as well. Ramzi Salman, President of the Guesthouse Owners’ Syndicate, described the weekend as “very successful, both in room occupancy, and food and beverage sales.”

Restaurants’ owners had an “acceptable” turnout, according to Khaled Nazha, Vice President of the Restaurant Syndicate. Although Thursday evening was quieter due to the bombings, “overall, it went well.” He predicts business will significantly pick up in July, once summer school holidays begin.

“Car rental bookings soared past 75%, marking an unprecedented surge in recent years,” said Gerard Zouein, Vice President of the Car Rental Agencies Syndicate.

Another notable trend: “Many Arab visitors, mostly men, are here on a scouting mission ahead of a bigger summer return, a kind of tourism reconnaissance,” explained Achkar.

Yes, bombings persist. Yes, tensions remain high. But Lebanon, true to its resilient spirit, continues to walk the tightrope with grace and determination. This Eid al-Adha weekend is proof: life goes on. Expats are preparing their return, hoteliers are polishing their keys, restaurateurs are refining their menus and rental agencies are revving up their engines.

This summer promises to be scorching – not just from the heat, but driven by an unyielding energy and fierce desire to live and thrive. The Lebanese way.