In Lebanon, before the pandemic, tourism accounted for almost 20% of the country’s GDP, dropping to 5% in 2020. But now, the country’s Minister of Tourism, Walid Nassar, is expecting as many as 12000 visitors to fly to Lebanon daily. The country affected by an economic crisis is pinning hopes of a revival on the renewed tourism demand.

Lebanon has decided to invest $70 million into a second terminal for its only international airport in Beirut to welcome travelers. It’ll soon release tenders for international firms to develop a terminal that will host low-cost and chartered flights. Pilgrims visiting Iraq and Saudi Arabia will also be boarding flights from the same terminal, which will increase the airport’s capacity to 20 million in the next ten years.

The construction to be carried out by private firms will also lead to hundreds of jobs. The airport has been operating at peak capacity for several years, and adding another terminal will be essential. 

Although 90% of flights coming into Lebanon between June and July are fully booked, the country faces challenges such as a recent strike by workers at Beirut airport against low wages and living conditions.

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