Tourism activity in Lebanon grew by 21 percent in the first three months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, according to a report by the Committee of the World Tourism Organization for the Middle East.
The report attributed the “remarkable growth” to a successful winter skiing season, which drew an increased number of tourists to the country.
The report was presented during the 40th meeting of the World Tourism Organization in Dubai attended by Arab tourism ministers.
The report said Lebanon’s tourism activity grew by 6 percent in the third quarter of 2014, following a drop from 2.2 million tourists in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2013. “However, results show that the improvement in tourism continued in the period extending from the end of 2014 to the beginning of 2015,” it said.
It added that Lebanon’s tourism sector saw an improvement after GCC countries lifted travel advisories warning citizens against visiting the country.
The advisories had been in place since mid-2012, inflicting crippling losses on the country’s tourism sector. The warnings were issued after security deteriorated in Lebanon following a spate of suicide car bombings linked to the crisis in Syria.
But the travel advisories were lifted a year ago, days after the Saudi ambassador’s visit to Lebanon.
“The move by GCC countries to lift their travel ban, alongside the stability following the formation of the government, contributed in improving tourism activity,” the report said.
The report said that the Tourism Ministry adopted several measures in a bid to attract tourists.
“The ministry launched the ‘Live Love Lebanon’ campaign which includes different touristic programs for various Lebanese regions and it has promoted it electronically through different social media channels,” it said. It added that the ministry had also launched a campaign for Lebanese expatriates to encourage them to visit at least once a year.
“It had also launched a five-year tourism strategy plan focusing on rural areas in Lebanon in order to strengthen economic opportunities,” it said.
