November 11, 2026
In light of the high rates of travel reservations to Lebanon, the tourist season faces challenges represented by an increase in air ticket prices by between 30 and 35 percent, due to the high costs of operation, fuel, and insurance. Abboud explained that this increase may represent an obstacle for some expatriates, especially families who are forced to book more than one ticket in the same period.
On the other hand, the fullness of a number of flights shows a significant increase in demand for return during the holiday period. However, it is too early to judge the expected volume of traffic at the airport, as actual reservations are linked to several factors, including developments in security conditions, ticket prices, and the extent of the ability to secure additional flights. Accordingly, the reports of travel and tourism offices expected during the coming weeks are of great importance, especially in terms of the volume of new reservations, the most popular destinations, and the extent to which current demand turns into confirmed reservations.
In terms of economic repercussions, the question arises about the size of the actual spending of expatriates in the Lebanese market, as the increase in their numbers does not necessarily translate into a proportionate economic recovery. Because a large portion of expatriates prefer to stay with families and relatives instead of hotels, which limits the direct benefit of the hotel sector.
On the other hand, other sectors are witnessing a noticeable recovery, such as restaurants, cafes, commercial centers and markets, in addition to the sectors of transportation, car rental, tourism and entertainment services, in addition to the increase in family spending related to buying gifts and organizing social gatherings. Hotels and tourism institutions are undergoing a real test of their ability to attract a segment of expatriates and tourists, and not rely solely on expatriates with their families.
Despite indications of an increase in reservations, the security factor remains the primary criterion in determining the course of travel, as visiting Lebanon is closely linked to the stability of the situation and the clarity of the regional scene, as any security development is capable of quickly affecting flight reservations and travel programs.
Between the optimistic expectations of receiving hundreds of thousands of arrivals and the more conservative estimates, the upcoming holiday season holds a fundamental opportunity for the Lebanese tourism sector, raising at the same time questions about the sustainability of this recovery and going beyond its seasonal nature. In conclusion, the importance of the season is not measured only by the number of arrivals, but also by the size of the accompanying economic movement and the extent of the ability of local institutions to benefit from it, with the hope that this period will constitute a station for restoring part of the vitality and activity of the tourism sector.
(Source: exclusive “Lebanon 24”)
