Tourism Leaders Call on Lebanese Diaspora to Visit This Summer and Revive Industry

Tourism sector officials are making a direct appeal to members of the Lebanese diaspora to return home for the summer season, citing the need to stabilize the industry and bolster the national economy.

Pierre Achcar, who heads both the Federation of Tourist Syndicates and the Syndicate of Hotel Owners in Lebanon, issued the call today, specifically targeting expatriates based in Gulf nations, European countries, and across Africa. He emphasized that their visits could prove instrumental in preserving tourism-dependent businesses and the livelihoods of workers throughout the sector.

Achcar acknowledged that securing visitors from farther-flung diaspora communities presents greater challenges. Many Lebanese residents in Australia, Canada, the United States, and Latin America have already finalized their summer plans elsewhere and canceled bookings to Lebanon, making them unlikely sources of tourism revenue for the current season.

The appeal arrives as diplomatic efforts advance toward establishing a permanent ceasefire agreement. Relative calm has returned to southern Lebanon, while other regions continue operating normally. Summer festivals and cultural events have begun drawing increased attendance across the country.

Achcar noted that despite the absence of a formal peace accord with Israel, earlier understandings have effectively protected Beirut and its airport from military operations—a development that has enabled the capital to resume regular economic and social activity in recent weeks.