Rural and eco-tourism boosts the sector in Lebanon

L’Orient Le Jour published in its issue of last Saturday a feature on alternative tourism in Lebanon in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism in an attempt to develop new strategies to revive the sector in the absence of Arab Gulf tourists. The plan focuses on promoting the rural and eco-tourism industry through inspiring Lebanese immigrants to visit their homeland and bond with their roots. In this respect, Tourism Minister Michel Pharaon noted that provisional data revealed an increase by half of the number of Arab tourists this year. However, the overall rate, he added, is still meagre compared to the 2010 flourishing season. The Minister also revealed that some 617.398 tourists have entered the country this summer, including some 217.386 Arab tourists. Quoting environmental experts, the newspaper reported that Beirut is no longer attractive as a recreational space and that tourists are now seeking natural destinations. Meanwhile, Rafik and Rula Yasigi, co-owners of ‘Bouyouti’ project in Maasir Beitiddin Chouf, said that their lodgings are fully booked until September, noting that 65% of the guests are Lebanese and the remaining 35% are foreigners, mainly Europeans. L’Orient Le Jour also pointed out to the experience of Arc En Ciel association which runs ecological guesthouses such as the Eco-Friendly Center in Taanayel, Bekaa area, Auberge St Michel and Beit Al Hana in Maasir El Chouf. Highlighting the development of tourism in Jezzine, the newspaper said the town now boasts some 16 guesthouses and hotels against only two in the past. (L’Orient Le Jour, 22 August 2015)