Yachts moored in Beirut. (Credit: AFP archive photo)
Since many countries have asked their nationals to leave Lebanon and several airlines have limited flights to Beirut, alternative ways have emerged to leave the country.
Whether by bus to Amman for those on a budget or aboard a private yacht to Agia Napa (Cyprus) for the more affluent, travelers and expats have been taking new routes in recent days.
On Monday, the first bus of 37 people chartered by the Lebanese tourist agency Holiday International Travel left Beirut at 5:30 a.m. for Jordan via Syria. The journey, which lasts about nine hours, costs $50 per person.
The program includes a first stop at Dahr al-Baidar (Mount Lebanon) before crossing the border into Syria. A second stop is then planned in Syria, before heading to the Jordanian border. Once in Jordan, travelers are dropped off at Amman International Airport to be able to leave for the desired destination.
“The bus was completely full today. We are planning a second trip on Wednesday. We have 17 reservations for now,” Mohammad al-Tal, the agency’s owner, told L’Orient-Le Jour. “People are panicking, especially those who work abroad and are stuck in Beirut. Flights are full and tickets are overpriced, so some are opting to travel by land,” he continued.
"For now, we have two trips planned per week, but we could increase our round trips depending on demand," the agency owner explains, adding that most travelers who leave for Amman then plan to reach the United States or the Gulf countries. Entry to Syria and Jordan by land is free for the Lebanese, the tour operator added.
On a yacht for at least $900
A second alternative for travelers eager to leave Lebanon is private tourist yachts departing from Dbayeh Marina to Agia Napa, Cyprus. But this trip, normally intended for wealthy tourists wishing to spend a few hours or days at sea, costs between $900 and $1,200 per person.
Captain Elias Khawand, the owner of three yachts usually used for leisure trips to Cyprus, has thus started taking travelers in recent weeks who are keen to leave Lebanon as quickly as possible, provided they have a valid visa. "In recent days, we have received an incredible number of calls from interested clients, but most people do not follow up, because of the prices," he told L'Orient-Le Jour, adding that the trip can last between four and five hours.
The first yacht operated by the captain can take eight people for $10,000, or $1,200 per traveler. The second boat is designed to accommodate 14 people for $13,000, or $928 per person. The third yacht, designed for 20 people, can be chartered to Agia Napa for $18,000, or $900 per traveler.
"Some were forced to resort to this option because they had to return to work at all costs. It's a solution that is possible when you are well-off," explained Khawand, who denied "wanting to profit from the crisis."
"The prices are the same as those charged before the tensions, with the only difference being that before, I waited for customers to take them back to Beirut," stated the captain, who justified these prices by "high expenses for maintenance, fuel and administrative procedures."
Despite these prices, which are as expensive as a plane ticket, Khawand has already organized three trips this week and is due to transport 22 people on board two of his yachts on Tuesday.
This article originally appeared in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.
