Tourism sector warns of alarming situation

 The Head of the Lebanese Hotel Owners’ Association, Pierre Ashkar, warned of the drastic losses in tourism this year according to the latest figures coming from the sector. Ashkar was speaking during a press conference last Tuesday attended by a crowd of hospitality institutions with the banner ‘Political chaos and street turmoil made us suffer’. In his opening address to Lebanese politicians, Ashkar said, “We had enough of your reckless attitude towards institutions and the youth… tourism is in danger.” He pointed to the accrued and diversified losses in the industry, primarily the loss of the summer season and the meagre investments, which would have been worse and devastating“had it not been for the innovative, unwavering and ambitious endeavors of the young generation.” On the other hand, and referring to the ongoing anti-corruption protests, Ashkar expressed his regret  about the riots and sabotage actions that were centering in the downtown Beirut area. In the same vein, the Head of the Travel and Tourism Agencies in Lebanon, Jean Abboud, grieved the tourism incoming activity which was almost non-existent this year, noting that the hotel and car rental industries were the most affected, followed by the Centre Ville commercial district.

For his part, and notwithstanding the gloomy situation of tourism in the county, Minister, Michel Farouan was cautiously optimistic, saying he expected “various investment projects to take place that could put an end to the continuing unpleasant political situation.” He pointed to the relatively positive index in the tourism sector, particularly in rural tourism during last August, however, he did not down play the counter effects of the civil society’s goings on especially on the downtown's touristic establishments. (Al Mustaqbal, An Nahar, Al Diyar, October 13, 14, 20, 2015)