The Ain al-Mreisseh neighborhood, where several large hotels in Beirut are located, on June 11, 2025. (Credit: Philippe Hage Boutros)
The president of economic organizations, one of Lebanon's main employers' associations, told Lebeconomy.com that the country could still save its tourism season, provided that the war between Israel and Iran quickly comes to an end.
"During Eid al-Adha, we experienced an exceptional tourist week, which reminded us of the good days: we saw tourists from the Gulf, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq. But, alas, after the major conflict raging in the region — whose end we do not know — the tourism season is now compromised," said former minister Mohammad Choucair.
"If this conflict ended in a week, the situation would be good, but if it prolongs, the reality will be entirely different. We will lose the summer season, which we counted on heavily, even though it is essential for the national economy ... We can only hope and pray for this war to end as soon as possible," he added. "All countries in the region are worried because of this war, not only Lebanon and its people ... Our problem will be enormous if we lose the summer season, as it represents 40% of the GDP."
"It's true that there is no war in Lebanon and security is assured, but tourists and expatriates fear coming, worrying they might not be able to leave," he stated. "Even if we exclude any internal security incident, should we retaliate against Israel, the Israeli reaction would be even more violent than what we've known so far."
The conflict sparked by Israel against Iran a little more than a week ago has severely disrupted air traffic in the region and led part of the diaspora to postpone their plans to come to Lebanon this summer.
