Nejmeh Square, in downtown Beirut, where the Parliament is located. (Credit: Philippe Hage Boutros/L'Orient-Le Jour)
BEIRUT — After ramped-up diplomatic efforts succeeded in easing travel restrictions to Lebanon, Association of Travel and Tourist Agents in Lebanon (ATTAL) President Jean Abboud said Wednesday that he believes there is a "promising summer season" ahead that reminds him of prosperous years for tourism in Lebanon in the early 2000s.
President Joseph Aoun's visits to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait and the decisions taken in Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing Saudi-US talks signal a potential easing in restrictions on Lebanon's tourism industry. The UAE lifted its travel ban to Lebanon on May 7, marking what appears to be a broader thawing in ties between Lebanon and Gulf states after years of strained relations.
In a lengthy speech delivered at the U.S.-Saudi Economic Forum during his official visit to Riyadh, U.S. President Donald Trump said he is "ready to help Lebanon," praising the newly elected and appointed Lebanese authorities and calling for a "more productive partnership with the United States."
In a statement relayed by the state-run National News Agency, Abboud praised “the measures taken to facilitate the movement of travelers at Beirut Rafik Hariri international airport, especially those arriving in Lebanon in preparation for the summer season."
"The visit by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamni to the airport yesterday reflects the extent of the government's interest and gives a positive image to brotherly and friendly countries about Beirut's airport.”
Abboud also praised the positions of Minister of Tourism Laura al-Khazen Lahoud who "recently called for applying the highest standards of transparency and credibility in prices and quality of services, in order to maintain the confidence that has begun to return to Lebanon."
Lebanon is facing a "promising economic opportunity," Abboud insisted, "in the form of a prosperous tourism season in the summer." This momentum, he argued, places "great responsibilities" on the government to meet the needs of the private sector, which he also called on, as well as the public sector, to enhance their preparations for the season ahead, "and for a promising tourism future for Lebanon that extends throughout the year.”
