Lebanon’s Tourism Season Shaken by Regional Conflict: Can It Bounce Back?

Achkar: Clarity expected by July, 50% of season lost

English version based on the Arabic-language article published by Akhbar al-Yawm

Twelve days of escalating missile exchanges between Israel and Iran sent shockwaves through the region, fueling fears of a broader war. While a ceasefire was announced yesterday, Lebanon, already facing years of compounded crises, has emerged as one of the hardest-hit by the fallout.

The tourism industry, which had pinned hopes on a strong summer comeback, suffered immediate setbacks. Flights were canceled, bookings were withdrawn, and tourists, especially from the Lebanese diaspora, rushed to leave.

Pierre Achkar, President of the Lebanese Hotel Association and Federation for Tourism syndicate, told the "Akhbar al-Yawm" agency that although the situation is difficult, it’s not beyond recovery. "Some members of the diaspora may still return", he said, "but others have shifted plans to more stable destinations. Many travelers booked and paid for their holidays well in advance, and these are often non-refundable".

Achkar cautioned that while the guns may have fallen silent, the climate of uncertainty remains: "It’s unlikely that things will instantly return to normal", saying: "Travelers need time to feel confident again. They want assurance that airports will stay open and that tensions won’t flare up again overnight". He believes the full impact on the season will become clear by early July, estimating that nearly half of the anticipated tourist activity has already been lost.

However, he remains optimistic about Lebanon’s ability to rebound. "This country is incredibly resilient. We’ve recovered before, and we can again".

Achkar stressed that political stability is key to any lasting recovery. "The ongoing debate around arms outside state control remains unresolved and continues to weigh heavily on public sentiment and investor confidence. The state must take a clear, decisive stance".

He concluded by pointing to the private sector’s vital role in keeping the country afloat: "Whenever the government has failed, the private sector has stepped up".