It has become difficult to find an empty table in one of Lebanon’s restaurants, a scene that contrasts sharply with the plight of many Lebanese amid the greatest devaluation of the Lebanese currency. However, the reality of the tourism sector with the approach of summer promises a boom that many citizens may benefit from, as foreign currencies enter Lebanon. The restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues in Lebanon deserve the title of "the greatest survivors," having faced—and still facing—all kinds of crises and economic and security shocks. They have refused to surrender, resisted, and continued "with live flesh," hoping for better days to come for the Lebanese.
Tony Rami, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Union of Tourism Syndicates and the Head of the Restaurant, Cafe, and Nightclub Owners Syndicate, confirmed to MTV that “the season is promising in terms of tourism according to all indicators. There is great reliance on expatriates and Lebanese diaspora, as a large number of them have booked tickets to Lebanon this summer in a desire to contribute to the revival of their homeland. Additionally, there are expectations of tourists coming from Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Gulf countries if political and security stability is ensured,” noting that “the percentage of hotel bookings is high, while guesthouses are almost 'full' for the summer season.”
Rami pointed out that “the sector operates under three main slogans: crisis management, resilience, and proving presence, challenging all economic and financial conditions, in addition to high operational costs while maintaining service quality and distinction.” He added, “The movement in hotels and restaurants was very good during last summer, and we expect it to be excellent this summer, provided no new security developments arise." Rami highlighted that the capital, Beirut, “still feels sad as the most prominent hotels, cafes, and nightclubs remain closed, waiting for the situation to improve,” clarifying that “this year’s prosperity will reach various regions and towns from the far south to the far north, especially with new investments recorded in this sector, most of which will be seasonal and will coincide with the summer months and the anticipated influx of visitors, in addition to preparing various artistic programs and the arrival of international artists to Lebanon.”
