Beirut: Pls, kill our story slugged: "ECO-LEBANON-MARKETS" for repetition
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 shift has been mirrored in an increase in the number of visitors to Lebanon, particularly during the past summer season. Choucair noted that the growth in tourism and travel positively affected overall economic activity across the commercial, tourism, service, and industrial sectors, with government estimates recording economic growth of five percent in 2025.
Choucair emphasized the importance of the holiday season as a crucial period for various sectors worldwide, accounting for a significant portion of annual business activity. He highlighted the 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 in the economy and investment. Lebanon remains an attractive investment destination for Arab and GCC states, with significant Gulf investments across several sectors.
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. However, Choucair cautioned that 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. He expressed hope for progress in the coming period and noted that the Lebanese Economic Authorities prepared a comprehensive reform paper titled "Towards a New Lebanon" following the ceasefire reached in November last year.
Choucair underscored the role of the private sector as the main pillar behind Lebanon's resilience and its ability to avert complete collapse during the peak of the economic crisis. He noted that any political progress would be directly reflected in economic performance, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors. 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.
Pierre Achkar, head of the Syndicate of Hotel Owners in Lebanon, stated that political and security conditions directly affect the tourism and hotel sector, which has been in a prolonged state of anticipation. The sector sought to benefit from the past summer season despite security threats, with occupancy rates reaching 50 percent. Achkar noted 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.
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.