A promising tourist summer awaits us. Numbers suggest that the number of tourists and expatriates is expected to exceed one million! This news is uplifting and brings hope that we have lost recently. Ironically, despite the negative impact of the economic and financial crisis on our lives, it has played a significant role in attracting more tourists. Traveling to Lebanon has become cheaper than ever. With a modest budget, any tourist can enjoy their day and have a great time in a country that has not let crises steal its vibrancy.
From this perspective, in an "electronic phenomenon" that started after the crisis, several individuals are producing videos on how to enjoy Lebanon and spend time at minimal costs. For instance, there are a series of videos on how to spend a day in Lebanon for just $100, and another titled "I Became a Millionaire in Lebanon" and "How I Became a Millionaire in Lebanon." These videos showcase the low costs incurred by dollar holders. Will tourism bring relief and improve the situation this summer?
Economic expert Jassem Ajaka confirms in an interview with MTV that this is indeed true and that our summer will be prosperous. He believes that "the presence of tourists will automatically contribute to boosting economic activity, leading to growth in several sectors, particularly restaurants, cafes, car rentals, and shopping. This will ease the situation as they will bring hard currency into the country." He states, "We expect between two billion and three billion dollars, equivalent to the funds that the IMF will provide us over three years." Ajaka anticipates a significant number of Jordanians and Iraqis visiting, as well as hopes for the arrival of Gulf tourists.
A "vibrant summer" that resembles us and the Lebanon we love lies ahead; will the country flourish afterwards?
