News report by Fawaz Al-Otaibi
BEIRUT, Dec 21 (KUNA) -- Amid growing indications of recovery, commercial and tourism activity in Lebanon is witnessing noticeable momentum as the New Year holiday season approaches, traditionally one of the most economically active periods of the year.
Preliminary indicators point to an increase in visitor numbers, rising hotel bookings and a marked improvement in market activity, reflecting noticeable progress, despite continued security and political uncertainty, according to assessments by economic bodies and the Syndicate of Hotel Owners.
Head of the Lebanese Economic Authorities and former minister Mohammad Choucair told KUNA that the election of a president and the formation of a government earlier this year created internal and external reassurance, which was reflected in an increase in the number of visitors to Lebanon, particularly during the past summer season.
Choucair said that the growth in tourism and travel to Lebanon positively affected overall economic activity across the commercial, tourism, service and industrial sectors, noting that government estimates recorded economic growth of five percent in 2025.
He described the holiday season as a key period for various sectors worldwide, accounting for between 25 and 35 percent of annual business activity, and pointed to increased market movement amid declining security threats and rising travel to Lebanon, with expectations of continued growth in air traffic until the end of the year.
He said that following the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a government headed by Nawaf Salam, the country witnessed increased momentum, particularly in economy and investment, noting that Lebanon remains an attractive investment destination for Arab and GCC states, with large-scale Gulf investments across several sectors.
He added that since the 2019 economic collapse, investments worth billions of dollars have been recorded in private projects, largely driven by resident and expatriate Lebanese, as well as Arab and Gulf investors.
Choucair said the current situation remains governed by caution and anticipation linked to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Lebanese Army's plan to confine weapons to the authority of the state, expressing hope for progress in the coming period.
He noted that Lebanese economic authorities prepared a comprehensive reform paper titled "Towards a New Lebanon" following the ceasefire reached in November last year, adding that progress has been made in implementing its provisions, though further work remains.
He emphasized that the private sector constituted the main pillar behind Lebanon's resilience and its ability to avert complete collapse during the peak of the economic crisis, noting that any political progress would be directly reflected in economic performance, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors.
Choucair stressed that approving laws related to restructuring the banking sector and addressing the financial gap, along with signing financing agreements with the International Monetary Fund, represent priorities for the Lebanese government, pointing to key steps and decisions taken in this regard.
For his part, Head of the Syndicate of Hotel Owners in Lebanon Pierre Achkar told KUNA that political and security conditions directly affect the tourism and hotel sector, which has been experiencing a prolonged state of anticipation.
Achkar said the sector sought to benefit from the past summer season despite security threats, with occupancy rates reaching 50 percent, noting that the sector relies heavily on Lebanese expatriates, who are less affected by security conditions compared to other visitors.
Beirut accounted for 70 percent of hotel occupancy and hosted numerous tourism events and conferences in recent months, while southern Lebanon saw a decline in tourism activity due to unstable security conditions and continued Israeli occupation air strikes, he added.
He added that Lebanon's tourism sector - including accommodation, restaurants, cafes and car rental offices - has developed its own mechanisms to manage operations during times of crisis.
Achkar said that most Arab visitors to Lebanon come from Iraq, Jordan, Egypt and Syria, while the majority of visitors from GCC countries come from Kuwait and Qatar. (end)
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