LEBANON - Pierre Achkar, head of the Federation of Tourist Establishments and president of the Hotel Owners’ Syndicate, revealed that hotel occupancy rates in Beirut are still critically low, hovering between 7% and 10%, and only occasionally reaching 12%.
The situation has been further aggravated by the loss of the holiday season, particularly Eid al-Fitr and Easter, which are periods that traditionally serve as economic high points for the tourism sector.
Missing out on these key opportunities has deprived hotels and related businesses of essential revenue, deepening financial losses. Achkar cautioned that if this continues, the sector could face devastating consequences, especially in terms of job security, as tourism remains a major source of employment across Lebanon.
He also called on the government to take urgent, supportive measures aimed at sustaining tourism institutions, with a particular focus on the hotel industry.
While the ceasefire has reduced immediate security concerns, it has not translated into a recovery in tourism activity. The continued occupancy rates of under 12% indicate that demand has not returned, even in the absence of active conflict. This suggests that the sector’s challenges extend beyond security alone.
The risk of sudden escalation continues to weigh on travel decisions, particularly for international visitors and airlines operating in the region. This uncertainty also affects airline scheduling, with the possibility of abrupt flight cancellations or route adjustments discouraging bookings in advance.
Cost factors further compound the problem. Air ticket prices remain relatively high, influenced by elevated fuel costs and broader volatility in aviation pricing. For many potential tourists, especially from regional markets, this makes Lebanon a less competitive destination compared to more stable alternatives.
As a result, even with a ceasefire in place, travel confidence has not fully recovered. The combination of geopolitical uncertainty, pricing pressures, and operational risks means that tourism flows remain cautious and inconsistent.
Without intervention, many establishments risk closure under the weight of ongoing economic and operational pressures.
