LEBANON- The Minister of Tourism, Laura El-Khazen Lahoud, issued a circular cancelling the implementation of Circular No. 9 dated June 2, 2022, which allowed the announcement of prices in U.S. dollars at tourism establishments, as well as all subsequent memoranda and statements related to its extension.

This decision takes effect as of today, the date of issuance of the circular.

The circular calls for “a return to the legal framework,” requiring all tourism establishments, when needing to adjust their prices, to have them officially approved exclusively in Lebanese pounds on all price lists and services, through the competent departments of both the Tourism Equipment Department and the Investment Department, in accordance with Annex No. 2 of Decree No. 15598 dated September 21, 1970, along with its amendments, including Decree No. 4221/2000.

The circular grants consumers the right to choose to settle the amounts due either in the national currency or in U.S. dollars, according to the official exchange rate in effect at the time of payment.

It also obliges all tourism establishments to publicly and daily disclose this exchange rate to ensure transparency in transactions and protect the rights of customers.

The Ministry of Tourism’s inspection and monitoring bodies will intensify their inspection tours to ensure proper implementation of this circular, and all legal measures and prosecutions will be taken against establishments found in violation.