tourism

Spain Breaks Tourism Records in 2024, Sparking Local Concerns Over Gentrification

In 2024, Spain has experienced an unprecedented surge in international tourism, with an estimated 94 million foreign visitors flocking to the country to enjoy its sun, sand, and culture, according to Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu. This marks a 10 percent increase compared to 2023, further solidifying Spain’s position as the world’s second ...

End-of-Year Celebrations Under the Shadow of War

Lebanon is traditionally renowned for its vibrant year-end celebrations and ski resorts. However, its tourism sector was severely impacted by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Foreign tourists were entirely dissuaded from visiting the Land of Cedars, and many Lebanese expatriates canceled their trip. The ceasefire between Hezbollah and ...

New Ancient Discoveries in Luxor Shed Light on Egypt’s History

On January 8, Egypt unveiled a series of significant archaeological discoveries at the Deir al-Bahari necropolis in Luxor, shedding light on ancient history, spanning from the Middle Kingdom through the 18th Dynasty. Among the finds were 4,000-year-old tombs of high-ranking officials and artwork dating back to the reign of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ...

Figure of the Week: Hotel Occupancy in Beirut Drops Below 10%, Regions Near 0%

The hotel occupancy rate in Beirut has fallen below 10%, while in other regions, it is approaching 0%, according to Pierre Achkar, president of the Union of Syndicates of Tourist Establishments in Lebanon. "Arab countries continue to boycott Lebanon, and European nations do not anticipate a swift return of their citizens. A mandatory waiting ...

Battling for Survival: Lebanon’s Tourism Sector Amid War and Crisis

Before the war, 60 airlines flew to Beirut; only Middle East Airlines remains today. Flights that once operated at 80-90% capacity now barely reach 20%, especially during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year. Travel to Lebanon has decreased by 80% compared to previous years, largely due to the ongoing conflict. The tourism sector, one of the ...

The Shadow of War on the Holiday Season!

As the year-end holidays approach, Lebanese expatriates who usually rush home to celebrate Christmas and New Year's with their families are now facing a grim reality. The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is profoundly affecting Lebanon, turning it from a place of festivities and celebrations into a war zone. This year, behind the ...

Baalbeck and Its Roman Ruins Deserted by Locals and Tourists

For over a month, the iconic Palmyra Hotel has not hosted a single tourist coming to explore Baalbeck’s Roman ruins, near which Israeli bombs are falling. Yet Rabih Salika refuses to leave the establishment where he has worked for 24 years. The war between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement, deeply rooted in Baalbeck (east), has not ...

Lisbon's Trams: A Charm Disrupted by Overtourism

In the winding streets of Lisbon, the screeching of the small yellow trams paints a picturesque tableau of the Portuguese capital. Every morning, at Martim Moniz Square, tourists and locals flock to the legendary tram number 28, whose route through the city’s hills offers a unique glimpse into Lisbon's ancient charm. However, this popularity ...