Beirut: 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.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the head of the Lebanese Economic Authorities and former minister Mohammad Choucair stated that the election of a president and the formation of a government earlier this year created internal and external reassurance. This political stability has led to an increase in the number of visitors to Lebanon, particularly during the past summer season. Choucair noted that the growth in tourism and travel has positively affected overall economic activity across the commercial, tourism, service, and industrial sectors. Government estimates have recorded economic growth of five percent in 2025.
Choucair described the holiday season as a key period for various sectors worldwide, accounting for between 25 and 35 percent of annual business activity. He 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. Following the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a government headed by Nawaf Salam, the country has witnessed increased momentum, particularly in economy and investment. Lebanon remains an attractive investment destination for Arab and GCC states, with large-scale Gulf investments across several sectors.
He further highlighted that since the 2019 economic collapse, investments worth billions of dollars have been recorded in private projects. These investments have been largely driven by resident and expatriate Lebanese, as well as Arab and Gulf investors. 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, with hopes for progress in the coming period.
Choucair mentioned that the Lebanese Economic Authorities prepared a comprehensive reform paper titled "Towards a New Lebanon" following a ceasefire reached in November last year. Progress has been made in implementing its provisions, though further work remains. He emphasized that the private sector has been the main pillar behind Lebanon's resilience, helping avert complete collapse during the peak of the economic crisis. Any political progress would be directly reflected in economic performance, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors.
He stressed the importance of approving laws related to restructuring the banking sector and addressing the financial gap, along with signing financing agreements with the International Monetary Fund, as priorities for the Lebanese government. Key steps and decisions have been taken in this regard.
On his part, the Head of the Syndicate of Hotel Owners in Lebanon, Pierre Achkar, noted 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. He highlighted 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. However, southern Lebanon saw a decline in tourism activity due to unstable security conditions and continued Israeli occupation airstrikes. Achkar 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. 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.