Jean Aboud, President of the Syndicate of Travel and Tourism Offices, stated in a statement that "the year 2023 is witnessing a significant positive push in terms of the number of arrivals to Lebanon, with indicators confirming that 2023 will be better than 2022 in the tourism sector." He revealed that "initial estimates indicate the arrival of more than one and a half million tourists to Lebanon this summer, while last year we welcomed about 1.2 million tourists."
He added, "All indicators confirm that Lebanon is facing a highly promising summer, as there are many bookings to Lebanon from all destinations. This year is particularly notable for important bookings, especially after Middle East Airlines opened the Beirut-Madrid route, allowing many Lebanese coming from Brazil, South America, and Canada, in addition to Lebanese workers in Africa and the Gulf, to travel via this route."
Aboud noted that "what distinguishes this season is the increased percentage of tourists from Arab countries and Lebanese Europeans coming from very distant continents." He pointed out that "currently there are about 55 airlines operating at Beirut Airport, and the density of bookings indicates that this number could rise to 66 airlines."
He predicted that "the number of arrivals at Beirut Airport will be very high," emphasizing that "based on bookings and flight schedules, it is clear that so far there is a seat occupancy rate among airlines coming to Lebanon ranging between 85 and 90 percent, and it is certain that these rates will reach 100 percent in the upcoming period."
