Despite the deteriorating situation on all levels and the lack of the most basic necessities of life in Lebanon due to a wave of skyrocketing prices that has impacted every sector, including medicine, there are still indicators that inspire hope and the desire to live, especially among expatriate Lebanese, particularly those who were forced to emigrate in search of job opportunities abroad to secure basic living needs. One of the signs of optimism is reflected in the tourism sector, which, despite facing a severe blow and experiencing complete halts in its operations at various points in recent years, is showing signs of revival. Festivals are beginning to emerge after three years of absence, and most chalets are now fully booked.
In this context, the head of the Syndicate of Travel and Tourism Offices, Jean Aboud, pointed out that the summer season heralds a special tourism season, with flights coming to Lebanon fully booked from June 30th to September 15th. Arab and international airlines, as well as Middle East Airlines, are considering increasing the number of their flights to accommodate the expected large influx of Lebanese expatriates or workers in the Gulf, as well as Arab and foreign tourists.
Aboud confirmed to "Al-Markaziah" that the movement has improved significantly, with the revenue from travel and tourism offices rising from 5 million dollars in the past two years to 30 million dollars in recent months; however, it will not reach the levels of 2018. He noted that the years 2017 and 2018 saw good activity, reaching 65 million dollars, indicating that the drop was 55 percent in 2022 compared to those two years.
