October 11, 2026
The Minister of Tourism, Laura Lahoud, confirmed during her participation in the “Experia” conference that the move towards smart tourism and enhancing integration between the relevant sectors represent the basic foundation for developing the tourism sector and providing a sustainable and unique experience for visitors.
The Minister explained that the concept of “smart tourism” is based on harnessing technology to improve all stages of the tourist journey for visitors, private institutions, and the public sector. In this context, she revealed the introduction of fundamental administrative reforms, including the launch of a new digital platform for licensing and administrative services to enhance transparency and efficiency and follow up on addressing obstacles, in addition to establishing the first complete online digital database for all licensed tourism establishments that are geographically identified on the national map, stressing the importance of data accuracy.
Lahoud pointed out the launch of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism’s smart application to provide customized trip programs and instant recommendations that suit the visitor’s interests and budget. She added that artificial intelligence tools allow tourism establishments to predict occupancy rates and inventory needs, as well as analyze customer reviews to address shortcomings. Despite this, she stressed that what cements destinations in visitors’ memories are feelings, human interconnectedness, and understanding of local life, indicating the Ministry’s keenness to support regions to integrate components into experimental products that are quickly accessible and implemented.
The Minister considered that the symposium constitutes a living model of the integrated “tourism system,” highlighting the pivotal role of responsible media, and the importance of hospitality networks and the private sector in raising standards and exchanging experiences while preserving the personal touch that distinguishes every experience.
Lahoud concluded her intervention by emphasizing that tourism experiences cannot be designed within the walls of a single ministry, and that lasting value is achieved when sectors integrate and join forces to support each other, which contributes to developing capabilities and capabilities that continue even after the visitor leaves.
