Lebanon's tourism sector is facing losses that are negatively impacting economic expectations as the summer season approaches, due to the effects of ongoing Israeli military operations.
Activity declines in restaurants and resorts
Abd Azzam, owner of the 'Zawat' restaurant in Sidon, stated that nearby military attacks have affected customer traffic, with interest in the restaurant dropping by 80-90 percent. He explained that many employees have been laid off due to declining purchasing power.
Ahmed al-Jannun, owner of the 'Bahamas' resort on the Shuf coast, said the current season has seen a decline due to war conditions. He noted that fuel shortages have increased pressure on businesses, reducing operations to a minimum level just to cover basic expenses.
Travel agencies deal with cancellations
In the travel sector, Rawan Fahreddin, owner of 'Tia Travel' agency, reported that bookings have fallen by at least 80 percent due to continuous travel cancellations. Fahreddin noted that international airlines suspending flights to Lebanon has affected the work of tourism agencies.
These negotiations are now focused on managing booking cancellations and refunding ticket costs to customers, rather than reviving tourism. This situation has forced companies to adopt a partial work system to cover fixed costs.
Historic and cultural heritage sites also damaged
In the cultural tourism field, Ali Bedawi, director of archaeological sites in South Lebanon, stated that the movement of visitor groups has reached 'zero level' because of the war. Bedawi explained that Israeli bombardment has damaged historical symbols such as the ruins of Tyre city, the castles of Tebnin and Shama, and the Shaqif Castle, as well as historic mosques and churches.
Adnan Istambuli, a Culture Ministry employee in Tyre, reported that airstrikes have caused damage to the city's archaeological symbols, historical columns in the sea and land castles, the museum building, and parts of the historic wall.
