LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - December 1, 2025

Lebanon’s hospitality sector is seeing a notable boost amid Pope Leo XIV’s historic visit, offering a rare moment of economic uplift amid ongoing political and security tensions.

Hotel operators report a 20% increase in reservations compared to previous weeks, driven largely by pilgrims, foreign delegations, and local visitors attending public events connected to the visit.

Establishments near key venues have rolled out discounts of up to 50% to attract additional bookings and capitalize on the short-lived surge in demand.

Pierre Al-Achkar, president of the Lebanese Hotel Owners Association, told Arab News that hotels in Beirut and along the coast up to Jounieh have recorded noticeable increases in occupancy driven by visitors arriving for the Pope’s visit. He said these bookings have remained steady despite Israeli threats and the recent strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Al-Achkar noted that the influx includes visitors from Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, in addition to foreign journalists. He added that many monks and nuns from neighboring countries are staying as guests in Lebanese monasteries rather than in traditional hotel accommodations.

The Pope’s stay offers a brief reprieve for a sector that has endured years of compounded crises.