More than 100 days into the war, the negative repercussions continue to expand, affecting various vital sectors that form Lebanon’s lifeline.

So far, there are no encouraging indicators of a stable summer season in the country, whether in terms of reservations through travel agents or hotel occupancy rates.

Pierre Achkar, President of the Federation of Tourism Syndicates and the Hotel Owners’ Syndicate in Lebanon, says that “a series of negative factors do not give us encouraging prospects so far. If we look at the movement, it becomes clear that from Beirut Airport to Naqoura, all hotels along this line are not operating, and some are destroyed.

In Jezzine, which was considered the summer destination of the south, the situation is very bad. In both the western and northern Bekaa, the situation is not good at all, especially with the continued bombing and raids.”

Security and Stability

This geographical map reflects how tourism in the country is being severely affected by the lack of security stability.

Achkar comments: “Since 2019, the hotel sector has been complaining and has been affected, taking hit after hit. Initially, most hotels in Lebanon no longer operate year-round as was the case before 2019, but have instead become seasonal, because a large part of them can no longer afford operational expenses throughout a full year.”

From seasonal operations to shutdown, several hotels have transitioned. Achkar notes that “of the Mount Lebanon hotels that used to operate only three months a year, a decision was made about a month ago to close during the current summer season, as the security and political indicators are not encouraging.”

Overall, this situation does not present a positive outlook, according to Achkar. While it is true that some travelers have recently preferred homes and guesthouses over hotels, travel agents also express deep concern over the loss of the tourism sector and its impact on the national economy, as the current season does not appear viable amid ongoing political instability.

Between the continued threat of bombardment in the southern suburbs of Beirut, occasional strikes in the capital itself, and ongoing shelling in the south and Bekaa, Lebanese residents think twice before coming to Lebanon—let alone Arab and foreign expatriates.

The Association of Travel and Tourism Offices explains that “travelers hesitate significantly before making reservations due to security conditions and the economic crisis, as they currently only inquire about prices and summer trips in the coming months without confirming bookings, reflecting a prevailing state of concern and anticipation.”

Al-Adha Numbers and Travel

Looking at the most recent reference point, Eid al-Adha did not provide a boost to tourism. According to Ministry of Tourism figures, 25% of the potential traveling force came to Lebanon during Eid al-Adha, meaning that 75% did not.

Achkar comments: “About a month ago, we contacted a number of travel agents, and they confirmed that 50% of bookings were canceled. As for the remaining half that may still come, it ranges between those who do not want to come due to the war situation and those unable to come due to the doubling or even more of ticket prices. These are all negative factors.”

Lebanon today is already in the heart of summer, not approaching it, and the movement in reservations offers little hope.

Achkar concludes: “In contrast to the culture of living and life, summer, and joy, there is still a philosophy of martyrdom. We are in a country where part wants to live, and another part wants to die, even glorifying it. So how can tourism thrive amidst victory in death?"