In an effort to escape rationing and before the actual start of summer, the demand for chalet bookings and swimming pools has surged among many citizens. Some tourist resorts have begun welcoming visitors, while others are waiting for the beginning of May or the conclusion of parliamentary elections. But what will the entry prices to the pools be this year, and what challenges are facing the owners of these establishments?
A tour of various tourist resorts reveals price differences from one area to another and variations in pricing between the Lebanese pound and the dollar. In Naqoura, for example, prices range from 10 to 15 dollars per person. In Damour and Jiyeh, prices vary between 200,000 to 400,000 Lebanese pounds per individual. The rental prices for chalets for a duration of six months range from 10,000 to 15,000 dollars. In Beirut, the pricing is almost the same for reserving chalets for the same period. The entry fee to swimming pools averages 200,000 Lebanese pounds per person.
From Beirut to Jounieh and Byblos, prices fall between 100,000 to 250,000 Lebanese pounds per individual. As for chalet prices, in the Byblos and Tabarja areas, they range from 3,500 to 6,500 dollars. However, tenants bear monthly electricity bills that are calculated according to meters.
Prices may increase later... and chalets have been "filled." Some resorts have not yet set their prices, while others that have might raise them again after Ramadan. Regarding the chalet rental movement, most establishments confirm that they have either been "filled" or have only a small percentage left unbooked.
In light of this reality, sources from the Ministry of Tourism indicate that all prices are subject to endorsement by the Ministry of Tourism. Therefore, the ministry is actively monitoring the prices of various resorts according to the costs and classification of the establishment.
High prices and losing resorts! In this context, the head of the Syndicate of Marine Tourism Establishments, Jean Beiruti, points out to MTV the challenges that private resort owners may face, which are primarily related to ensuring 24-hour electricity supply amidst occasional diesel shortages and the increase in fuel prices globally.
Beiruti explains that "most resort owners today are incurring losses due to high costs, as 80 percent of the investment costs in tourism establishments relate to energy, specifically diesel. Consequently, private resorts must secure electricity through their own generators, in addition to the usual maintenance costs, which justifies their high prices.” Nevertheless, Beiruti stresses that resort owners must maintain a balance between the citizens' purchasing power and the costs they incur.
Regarding chalets, Beiruti mentions that "most resorts had previously sold a significant percentage of their chalets, leaving only 5 to 10 percent available for rent. This explains the nearly full bookings in most tourism establishments.”
In conclusion, amidst rising temperatures and ongoing rationing, citizens must either flee to pools and chalets or endure suffering at home. It is worth noting that many may not be able to bear the cost, especially since a breadwinner may need to pay half their salary for a family trip to one of the beaches.
