How Much Does Lebanon Make From Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Lebanon is a beautiful country located in the Middle East, known for its rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. It is also a destination for tourists from all over the world. In this article, we will explore how much revenue Lebanon generates from tourism.

Overview of Tourism in Lebanon

Tourism plays a critical role in the Lebanese economy. According to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism contributed 19.3% to Lebanon’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019, generating around $8.2 billion.

Lebanon has been actively promoting tourism through various initiatives such as advertising campaigns, cultural events, and infrastructure development. The country offers visitors diverse options ranging from historical landmarks and archaeological sites to ski resorts and beaches.

Revenue Generated from Tourism

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, the country welcomed over 1.8 million tourists in 2019. This number has significantly dropped due to various challenges such as political instability, social unrest, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these challenges, Lebanon generated approximately $7 billion from tourism in 2019. This figure includes revenue from various sources such as accommodation services, food and beverage establishments, transportation services, and recreational activities.

Breakdown of Revenue by Source

  • Accommodation Services: Hotels and other accommodation services generated around $2 billion.
  • Food and Beverage Establishments: Restaurants, cafes, bars generated around $1.5 billion.
  • Transportation Services: Airlines, taxis generated around $700 million.
  • Recreational Activities: Ski resorts, beaches generated around $400 million.
  • Tourism-related Services: Travel agencies, tour operators generated around $1.
  • Other Services: Souvenir shops, museums generated around $500 million.

Conclusion

Tourism is a crucial sector for the Lebanese economy, generating substantial revenue and providing employment opportunities. Despite facing several challenges, Lebanon has been actively promoting tourism and working towards strengthening its infrastructure to attract more visitors.

Through this article, we have seen that Lebanon generated approximately $7 billion from tourism in 2019, with accommodation services and food and beverage establishments being the primary sources of revenue. It is essential for the country to continue investing in this sector to sustain its growth and development for years to come.