Lebanon

After a tumultuous recent past, this historically and culturally rich little Mediterranean country has in recent years also been one of the Arab world's most fun, liberal, and sophisticated, with a vigorous wine country, beaches, skiing, and lots more. But obviously, with the current relentless Israeli assault on the country, Lebanon is at the moment a no-go for travelers, but we hope the situation will resolve itself as soon as possible.

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A country being unified through hiking

Abby SewellHere's an interesting piece put out by BBC Travel recently. Despite the severe economic and social crisis gripping Lebanon this year, it seems that life goes on, and hiking has increasingly become a way for visitors to learn about this beautiful country, and locals to learn more about themselves. Check it out here.

Hope in Lebanon that expats/domestic tourism can save the economy

Both the pandemic and the current economic crisis have gutted hospitality along with other businesses in Lebanon But as pandemic restrictions are being eased, the businesses that survived hope the dollars spent by visiting Lebanese expats and an increase in domestic tourism can get the wheels of the economy moving again. https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Mired-in-crises-Lebanon-hopes-summer-arrivals-16293567.php

The Arab world's most liberal country, beautiful Lebanon is an under-the-radar gem

The tiny Arab country of Lebanon (not even three-quarters the size of the U.S. state of Connecticut) on the Mediterranean bordering Jordan, Syria, and Israel, has been in the news this week thanks to universal street protests - peaceful and held in a festive atmosphere - aimed at getting its corrupt ruling politicians to step down. Additionally, the little many Westerners have known about this country is outdated, from when it was convulsed from 1975 to 1990 by a brutal civil war as well as an…

Comments

Wissam Al Khoury October 24, 2024 at 10:35pm

An inspiring article about my country´s flag carrier, Middle East Airlines: https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-middle-east-air...

Lebanon's national carrier braves Israeli airstrikes

Middle East Airlines is the only commercial airline still operating out of the Beirut airport.
David Paul Appell October 15, 2024 at 9:40am

Both on a humanitarian level and as someone who enjoyed a wonderful visit to this country five years ago, my heart is breaking over the radical new suffering of this country and its people as Israel bids to turn it into Gaza. And this piece just out from the BBC underscores the devastating effects the current assault has had on Beirut, where among other things 89% of eating and drinking spots have closed or restricted hours: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8xpqjqx7eo

How Israeli strikes transformed buzzing Beirut: 'Like someone pressed pause on life'

There's no music or dancing in central Beirut bars as fear spreads and displaced people fill the streets.
José Balido August 24, 2023 at 12:14pm

In researching a return to Lebanon - which I visited for the first time in 2019 - I came across this piece about Beirut. I love this city, and I´m taking notes! https://www.euronews.com/travel/2022/09/25/beirut-discover-modern-s...

This Mediterranean city is the Paris of the Middle East

From mosques to beer bars, tradition and modernity coexist in Beirut.
Ahmed Abbas June 4, 2023 at 1:04pm

As the 2023 tourist high season is about to get underway here, it looks like this year tourism is going to be a rare bright spot in the Lebanese economy : https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/variety/705612/lebanons-tourism-season...

Lebanons tourism season to kick off: Jean Abboud reveals high influx of tourists

| Lebanon News
Max Pesling May 6, 2023 at 11:16am

The tourism sector here has of course been having a rough time of it along with the rest of the country. But one national group of tourists has been giving it a shot in the arm lately - would you believe Iraqis? https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63329846

Lebanon: Iraqi tourists provide unlikely boost for failing economy

Despite power cuts, shortages and political strife, Iraqis (and their dollars) are coming to Lebanon.
Riccardo R January 26, 2023 at 11:07am

Sadly, UNESCO just added three sites to its "endangered" list, including Tripoli's trade fair grounds designed in 1962 by Oscar Niemayer: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/unesco-world-heritage-sites-...

Three sites 'in danger' added to UNESCO World Heritage List

The historic center of the Ukrainian port city of Odesa was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List as well as its list of sites "in danger" on Wednesd…
Wissam Al Khoury October 3, 2022 at 11:00am

Though many Lebanese have been suffereing from the country's economic implosion, some have found a way to persevere through rural tourism and converting their homes into guesthouses: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/09/homes-guesthouses-some...

From homes to guesthouses: some Lebanese find ways to survive economic meltdown

Despite Lebanon's worst financial crisis since its civil war, guesthouse investment is growing as rural tourism soars, generating much-needed revenue…
María José March 5, 2022 at 10:27am

It's worth noting that despite its small size, Lebanon can boast five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the 8th-century ruins of Anjar in the Bekaa Valley; the magnificent ruins of Baalbek, dating back to the ancient Phoenicians (also in the Bekaa); the northern city of Byblos (also of mostly Phoenician origin); the Holy Valley and the Forest of the Cedars of God; and the southern city of Tyre (again, founded by Phoenicians). More information at https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/LB.

Lebanon - UNESCO World Heritage Convention

Lebanon - UNESCO World Heritage Convention
hoojoozat.com May 31, 2010 at 4:58pm

Check out Hoojoozat.com (www.hoojoozat.com) and book your hotel in Beirut and Lebanon at best prices!
Northeast News April 4, 2010 at 4:19pm

I read (in Media LIne, I think) that Lebanon's 2009 tourism numbers increased 39% over 2008. And 2008 was an up year. From my perspective, that's an amazing increase. What's the explanation? Is it just peace?