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12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lebanon at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Freelance Writer

Lebanon is a small Mediterranean country, but its size doesn’t reflect the depth of its history. Lebanon has seen many peoples and civilizations, much war and strife. The Lebanese have come out stronger and continue to love their country. Here are 12 reasons why you should too.

The Lebanese people are resilient and worldly, and offer a hospitality like no other. Lebanese people will invite you into their homes and insist you stay for coffee! They are famous for knowing how have a good time, no matter what the situation. We are defined by an easy-going attitude and an acceptance necessitated by our history. Don’t hesitate to talk to locals during your visit, as more often than not they will help you.

The Diversity

Lebanon is home to many different sects and nationalities, and despite the history of conflict, the majority of Lebanese still believe in their capability for peaceful living and acceptance. The people all have different interests, from religious groups to those concerned with alternative beauty, and all are truly free to express their identity.

The Parties

The Lebanese can party like no other. From small family get-togethers to nightclubs and concerts, no one has a good time like the Lebanese. You just have to know where to look to find these once in a lifetime experiences. Places like Iris, Yukunkun and The Garten are only some of the places to have a good time. When you visit Lebanon, look out for the culture of happiness hidden under all the stress.

Iris Beirut, Al Nahar Building, Downtown Beirut, 8th floor، Martyrs’ square, Beirut, +961 3 090 936

Yukunkun: Mar Antonios, Beirut, +961 71 861 874

The Garten: Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center, Beirut, +961 76 363 662

The History

Lebanon is definitely one of the world’s most historical places, as its history predates written records. The area that became Lebanon was occupied by the Phoenicians between 300 and 800 BCE, and this trend of occupation continued for centuries, which makes for a fascinating visual history. Recent archaeological finds show that Lebanon still has many historical treasures to be discovered. Some places worth seeing are the Roman Ruins in Baalbek and Old Souks in Jbeil .

Lebanon is known for its big achievements in the regional music scene, as many world famous Arabic music artists hail from this country. Today, music in Lebanon is becoming more international, and many singers use English lyrics to widen their audience. Some famous bands are Mashrou’ Leila and Who Killed Bruce Lee. Make sure to seek out those small bands playing in pubs, as you never know how famous their music will become!

Film is another art form the Lebanese are known for. Many local directors participate in international festivals and contests. Nadine Labaki with Where Do We Go Now? and Muriel Abouross with Stray Bullet are just a couple the many award-winning Lebanese directors. This culture is alive in Lebanon because the people feel the need to spread their stories to the world. Lebanon is full of people with stories yet to be discovered and local directors are making sure they get heard.

Lebanon is currently experiencing a rise in all things culture. From poetry to painting, there are circles for everyone to join. With globalization, the intellectual scene in the country is getting stronger. Ali Cherri and Jalal Toufic are two contemporary artists dominating the scene in Lebanon. The country’s history of war and ever-changing culture makes for an interesting aesthetic.

Lebanese food is known all over the world: tabbouleh, kefta and kebbeh are famous dishes. This food never quite tastes the same anywhere else, so pack your bags and come to Lebanon to try the real deal. Try Abu Naim in Hamra Street or Mayrig Downtown. Better yet, just walk around and pick a spot, to experience some of the best cuisine in the world.

Mayrig Restaurant, Pasteur Street, Beirut, +961 01 572 121

Abu Naim Restaurant, Abdel Aziz Street, Hamra, Facing Piccadilly Theatre, Beirut , +961 01 750 480

The Secrets

Lebanon is a small country with a relatively small pool of tourist activities. This increases the likelihood of non-touristic experiences that you can discover or even create! Things like abandoned building adventures and story-telling nights are a thing here. Try Escape the Room or join Cliffhangers for one of their storytelling nights.

The Fashion

The country is definitely one of, if not the , major fashion capital of the region. Designers like Elie Saab, Reem Acra and Zuhair Murad all started their careers in Beirut. The people are definitely fashion conscious in Lebanon, and the country continuously produces designers that reach global fame.

The Honesty

You won’t find brutal honesty and self-awareness like Lebanon’s anywhere else! The Lebanese know that their country is relatively behind on development, and acknowledge that fact. There is no shortage of literature reflecting the Lebanese tendency to critique themselves. The people resort to humor to lessen the edge of their reality. Try to read The Dictator , an absurdist play by Issam Mahfouz, or De Niro’s Game , a novel by Rawi Hage.

Brutal honesty goes hand-in-hand with humor. Famous comedians like Nemr Abou Nassar find that jokes are a sure-fire way to get Lebanese voices heard. This is an attitude shared by the population in general. You’re unlikely to find such a rowdy, loud and funny group of people anywhere else in the world.

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13 Stunning Places to Visit in Lebanon

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What are the best places to visit in Lebanon? If you’re planning a trip to Lebanon, where should you go? Lebanon is a fantastic little country with so much to see!

The good news is that Lebanon is a compact country. So compact that it’s possible to base in Beirut the whole time and take day trips all over the country. That’s what I did on my trip — and it made it so easy to travel all over Lebanon while coming back to the same bed every night.

One of the things I love most about Lebanon is its cultural diversity. The population is about 45% Christian and 50% Muslim, with 18 recognized religious groups. There’s a sizable Armenian population, too, and people with origins all over the Middle East and the world.

Consequently, there are parts of Lebanon that feel very European, and parts of Lebanon that feel very Middle Eastern. Places where you can default to French and places where you’ll need to know a few words of Arabic.

Lebanon is geographically diverse, too — mountains, deserts, waterfalls, cities of all sizes. In Lebanon you could theoretically ski in the morning and lie on the beach in the afternoon! (Granted, you can only do that in the winter, so it wouldn’t quite be sunbathing weather, but I digress…)

Here are my picks for the best places to visit in Lebanon — along with how to get there, Lebanon safety information, and the best things to do in Lebanon.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Lebanon

All roads lead to Beirut in Lebanon, and Beirut makes a great base for your whole trip. But as far as day trips go, you have freedom to shake things up.

If you could only visit three places in Lebanon besides Beirut, I would recommend the seaside town of Byblos , the Roman ruins of Baalbek , and the small city of Tyre .

Lebanon is a lot safer than you think it is . You don’t need to worry about war or terrorism more than you do in other countries, and common sense will get you far, but it’s smart to check the latest news before you go.

Baalbek is in the Beqaa Valley, close to the Syria border in Hezbollah-controlled territory. To get to Baalbek , it’s best to hire a private driver or join a day tour from Beirut.

Beirut is one of the best, most vibrant, most exciting cities in the Middle East. Because it’s much more liberal than other Middle Eastern cities, there is a huge party scene, from the wild beach clubs to the roof-retracting nightclubs. But beyond the nightlife, you have centuries of history and different cultures coming together. Oh, and did I mention how good the food is here?!

Have a night out bar-hopping on Armenia Street in Mar Mikael; stroll along the Corniche in the morning; check out the cafes on Hamrun Street; visit the National Museum of Beirut; take the Alternative Tour Beirut to learn more about Lebanon from a holistic perspective; spend a day at a beach club; shop in the Beirut Souks (more a mall than souks).

How to get to Beirut: Lebanon’s land borders are closed, so the easiest way to get to Beirut is to fly. Check Skyscanner for the best rates. There are also some ferries from Cyprus.

For me, Lebanon was part of a larger trip, so I flew to Beirut from Amsterdam via Istanbul on Pegasus Airlines. On the way back I flew from Beirut to Larnaca, Cyprus, spent a few days there, and flew back to Amsterdam.

Where to Stay in Beirut: See the Where to Stay in Lebanon section below for my top accommodation picks in Beirut.

Byblos — known as Jbeil in Arabic — is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Lebanon. This seaside village north of Beirut looks like it could be a coastal town in Montenegro with its teal waters, palm trees, sandstone old town, and mountains rising in the background.

You might notice that the word “Byblos” is related to books — well, there’s reason for that. Byblos was a trade center for papyrus, importing it from Egypt and exporting it throughout the Aegean, distributing the earliest books.

Today in Byblos, you can visit the ruins, walk along the water, shop in the souk (now filled with souvenir shops more than anything else), or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the cafes with a water view.

Byblos is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for being one of the oldest Phoenician cities, inhabited since Neolithic times, and for helping create the Phoenician alphabet.

How to get to Byblos: Byblos is about a 45-minute drive from Beirut. It’s doable with an Uber, but you may have trouble finding an Uber to take you back to Beirut. Minibuses to Byblos (Jbeil) leave from Charles Helou bus station in Beirut, though they drop you off along the highway, about a 15-minute walk from town. This day tour from Beirut includes Byblos, Jeita Grotto, and Harissa.

Tyre, also known as Sour (pronounced soor ), was one of the most important cities on the Mediterranean. Today, this city in southern Lebanon is home to fine Roman ruins perched up against the sea, a pleasant and walkable small town, incredibly friendly people, and fresh flowers bursting out in every direction.

Some places give you great vibes from the moment you arrive. That was Tyre to me. It was walking along the seaside and having fresh orange juice with a mother and her young son. It was being one of the few people at the ruins, wondering why it wasn’t full of tourists. It was wandering through the town and photographing each piece of it.

Tyre is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its ancient ruins, history as a Phoenician city, founding of cities like Cadiz and Carthage — and their achievement of inventing purple dye!

How to Get to Tyre: Tyre is about a one hour and 45-minute drive from Beirut. For public transportation, the minibus to Tyre (Sour) leaves from Cola Intersection in Beirut and you may need to change minibuses in Sidon (Saida) along the way. This day trip from Beirut visits Tyre, Sidon, and Maghdouche.

Harissa is home to one of the most famous sights in Lebanon: the Our Lady of Lebanon statue, perched on a mountaintop, seeming to look over the nation. Come to Harissa and you, too, can enjoy this Lebanese pilgrimage site — and spectacular views at 650 meters above sea level.

The Sanctuary here was created to honor the Virgin Mary — and serves as a place for peace-gathering workshops and activities between Christians and Muslims, and denominations within Lebanon’s 18 religious groups.

The most fun way to get to Harissa is to take a cable car to the top! It leaves from the seaside city of Jounieh.

How to get to Harissa: Harissa is about a 40-minute drive from Beirut. While you can drive there, you might enjoy it more if you drive to Jounieh and take the cable car to Harissa, a nine-minute journey. For public transportation, the minibus to Jounieh leaves from Charles Helou bus station in Beirut. This day tour from Beirut includes Harissa, Byblos and Jeita Grotto.

Get ready to see some of the best Roman ruins of your life! I’m not a huge fan of ruins in general, but Baalbek is home to some of the best ruins I’ve ever seen, the kind that stun you into silence. The scale alone is mind-boggling.

Baalbek is the ruins of the city once known as Heliopolis, the City of the Sun. The four temples here — dedicated to Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, and Bacchus, after Roman gods — are some of the largest remaining temples of the Roman Empire. You can also witness the two of the largest stone blocks in antiquity: the Stone of the Pregnant Woman, clocking in at 1,000 tons, and a block simply known as the megalith, clocking in at 1,650 tons!

If you’re looking to feel like an adventurer in Lebanon, there’s no better place than Baalbek. Climb to the top of the temples and enjoy the views around you, as the most powerful Romans once did.

Baalbek is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its history as a Phoenician city and its enormous ruins, which are one of the finest surviving examples of Roman architecture.

How to get to Baalbek: Baalbek is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. I recommend spending a day exploring Baalbek in tandem with Anjar and the Beqaa Valley, possibly including a winery. This is best done with a private driver or day tour. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery.

For public transportation, go to Cola Intersection in Beirut and say you want to go to Baalbek; you will be brought to a minibus to Chtaura, then you can change minibuses to get to Baalbek.

The drive to Bcharré, or Bsharri in Arabic, takes you through the winding roads of the Qadisha Valley, into river-carved canyons and mist-covered mountains. From there you’ll enjoy views that pull on your heartstrings. If you visit in the winter, you might even get to see snow.

Bcharré is famed for being the home of Lebanese-American poet, writer and artist Kahlil Gibran. The Gibran Museum was once a shelter for hermetic monks, carved into life from the rocks; today, it hosts Gibran’s tomb and a collection of his writings and drawings.

And the view above, one of my favorite views in Lebanon, it taken from the museum itself.

How to get to Bcharré: Bcharré is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. For public transportation, there is a daily minibus to Bcharré (Bsharri) that leaves from Dowra Intersection in Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Cedars of God

Cedars are one of the most recognized symbols of Lebanon today. It proudly adorns the Lebanese flag. For centuries, these trees were lauded for their strength. The Phoenicians used their wood for boats; the Egyptians used their resin for tombs. Even U2 has a song called Cedars of Lebanon.

Sadly, there aren’t a lot of cedars remaining today. While they once covered the countryside around Lebanon, massive deforestation has led to their numbers dwindling. Cedars of God Park outside Bcharré is one of the places to see them. It’s worth visiting and hiking through the park to see their majesty up close — but seeing so few of them may leave you a bit depressed.

The cedars are fiercely protected today, however, and reforestation efforts are underway. But they take a long time to grow to adulthood, we won’t be seeing abundant cedar forests for decades.

The Cedars of God are one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, shared with the Kadisha Valley. They received this designation for their history as the most prized wood used for constructing religious buildings.

How to get to the Cedars of God: Cedars of God in Bcharré is about a two-hour drive from Beirut. For public transportation, there is a daily minibus to Bcharré (Bsharri) that leaves from Dowra Intersection in Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon. Alternatively, this tour gives you a full day of hiking in the Cedars .

Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto is just outside Beirut, making it a super-easy afternoon trip (and a cool relief from a hot day!). This grotto is a system of two limestone caves. They consist of two sets of caves: the lower caves and the upper caves.

The lower caves are home to a river that provides fresh water for many people in Lebanon, and you can visit by boat. It’s a spooky but beautiful experience, especially in the boat, with the water lit up bright blue. The upper caves have a pathway to explore on foot, and they’re home to the largest stalactite in the world: 8.2 meters (27 feet) long!

Keep in mind that Jeita Grotto is VERY strict about no photos allowed. Don’t try to sneak one.

Jeita Grotto is close to Harissa and Byblos, making it a great day out to visit all three. (Though you may want to allot the most time to Byblos.)

How to get to Jeita Grotto: Jeita Grotto is about a 30-minute drive from Beirut. You can easily take an Uber there, as I did; you can’t pick up Ubers there, though, so I took a taxi from Jeita Grotto on to Byblos. This day tour from Beirut includes Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos.

Qadisha Valley and Qozhaya

The Qadisha Valley feels like a world away from Beirut — but in a day trip you can see quite a bit of it. Mountains rise into the mist; rivers wind through the countryside, and mammoth rock faces give way to monasteries. The Qadisha Valley — also called the Kadisha Valley — was home to some of the earliest Christians fleeing persecution.

Qozhaya (Kozhaya) is one of the most important monasteries in the Qadisha Valley, and home to a convent dedicated to St. Anthony. A long drive through a wooded canyon takes you to the buildings, examples of Arabic architecture in the Middle Ages, and a rock-hewn chapel painstakingly built inside a cave.

The Qadisha Valley is one of the best places to visit in Lebanon if you’re looking to enjoy nature. Here you can hike, climb mountains, or even ski.

The Qadisha Valley is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its history as one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements.

How to get to Qozhaya: The Qadisha Valley is about a 90-minute drive from Beirut. Qozhaya is best visited by hiring a private driver or booking a day tour from Beirut. This day tour takes you through Bcharré, the Qadisha Valley, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Sidon, also known as Saida, is a port city to the south of Beirut. Though it has a storied history, Sidon is one of the lower-key, calmer cities to visit in Lebanon, and one of the easier side trips from Beirut.

Sidon is famous for two places in particular: its outstanding souks, some of the most picturesque in Lebanon, which sell both traditional and modern wares in their traditional small stalls; and the Sea Castle, which was built by the crusaders as a fortress of the Holy Land.

Sidon is about 45 minutes from Tyre, so it makes sense to pair them together on a day trip from Beirut.

How to get to Sidon: Sidon is about a one-hour drive from Lebanon. For public transportation, take a minibus to Sidon (Saida) from Cola Intersection in Beirut. This day trip from Beirut visits Tyre, Sidon, and Maghdouche.

If you’re visiting the ruins of Baalbek, you should visit Anjar too — and most drivers or tours will take you to both. Anjar may not have the sweeping majesty of Baalbek, but these ruins have something unique: spectacular arches that were designed by the Umayyads. Before the Anjar ruins were studied by archaeologists, there was no other evidence of the Umayyad Caliphate in Lebanon.

Anjar’s ruins are just a stone’s throw from the Syrian border (a mountain range divides the two countries). The city of Anjar is also home to one of the biggest communities of the Armenian diaspora in Lebanon. The city is also known for its four-sided wells.

Anjar is one of Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, designated for its ruins, which survive as an example of city planning under the Umayyads.

How to get to Anjar: Anjar is about a 90-minute drive from Beirut. This destination is best seen in tandem with Baalbek and the Beqaa Valley, either by hiring a private driver or booking a day tour. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery.

Ksara, Wine Country, and the Bekaa Valley

Did you know that Lebanon has a thriving wine scene? That might be surprising for a Middle Eastern country, but not so much in retrospective when you consider its multi-ethnic background and its location right on the Mediterranean.

The best wines grow in high-altitude areas of Bekaa Valley, close to Baalbek and Anjar. Whites are nice but forgettable; where the region truly shines is Bordeaux-style reds and dry rosés.

Chateau Ksara is one of the popular wineries and they welcome travelers for tours, tastings, and lunches. Of course, if you plan on sampling the wines, you should not be driving that day — this is a good time to come on a tour or book a private driver!

How to get to Ksara and the Bekaa Valley: Chateau Ksara is a 90-minute drive from Beirut. Many tour companies include a stop at Chateau Ksara as part of their tours in the Bekaa Valley. This day tour from Beirut includes Baalbek, Anjar, and stop at Ksara Winery. Alternatively, this wine tour spends the whole day visiting wineries in the Bekaa Valley .

Finally, there’s Tripoli, or Trablous in Arabic — the second-largest city in Lebanon and a place that isn’t on most travelers’ itineraries. (Oh, and it’s definitely not the Tripoli in Libya!) If you do visit, though, you’ll get to enjoy a warm and welcoming city little-touched by tourism.

Tripoli has seen some hard times, and it’s one of the poorer cities in Lebanon. But there is a lot of beauty here — an Old City brimming with Mamluk architecture; dozens of souks, some of which specialize in gold or silver or fruits and vegetables or soap; and friendly locals eager to welcome you.

The El Mina neighborhood of Tripoli almost feels like another city, more like a calm seaside village. Offshore you can visit the Palm Islands Reserve and its protected turtles. Be sure to try some of Tripoli’s famous sweets (and if you’re a foreigner in the souk, everyone’s going to want you to sample theirs!).

How to get to Tripoli: Tripoli is a 90-minute drive from Beirut. For public transportation, take the Connexion bus from Charles Helou Station, which takes closer to two hours. This Tripoli day trip from Beirut gives you several hours in Tripoli, plus a stopover in Batroun or Byblos on the way back.

Is Lebanon Safe?

Is it safe to travel around Lebanon? Like most places in the Middle East, Lebanon is a lot safer than cable news would have you believe. The media paints the image of war, suicide bombers, and riots. Lebanon does have its problems — and has had some tough situations in recent years — but it’s not a war zone.

I traveled Lebanon as a solo woman in 2018 and didn’t feel uncomfortable at all — in fact, I was pleased with how much respect I was given as a woman. Then again, I chose not to visit Tripoli on advice from a local woman who advised me not to go alone (though other locals later told me that as an experienced solo traveler, I would have been fine).

In many ways, I felt safer as a woman in Lebanon than I have felt in many other countries. At one point, I had to sit next to a man on a minibus (usually women are sat next to women, but sometimes there’s a full bus and no other option). The man left six inches of space between us! That NEVER happened on the subway in New York!

Another issue is that part of the Bekaa Valley, including Baalbek and Anjar, is controlled by Hezbollah. When you enter that area, you pass through military checkpoints, as you do throughout Lebanon. (They are fast and easy and the guards usually have a smile for you.) Yes, it’s unnerving, especially since Hezbollah flags are for sale as souvenirs (!!), but most of the time tourists are able to visit safely.

The most important thing is to do your research before you arrive. Lebanon is not a place to arrive on a whim; doing proper research is essential. So where do you start?

I found this detailed post by Against the Compass  to be an excellent resource for travel safety in Lebanon. It’s updated periodically with the latest safety information. I encourage you to save it and take a closer look before your trip.

I also recommend checking out the  US State Department travel advisory  and  UK travel safety advice  for Lebanon. I find that the US warnings tend to be more alarmist, while the UK warnings tend to be more realistic.

Most importantly, travel insurance is essential for trips to Lebanon — and to anywhere else in the world, frankly. If you need to be hospitalized with a broken bone or appendicitis, or if you have an emergency and miss your trip, or if you get robbed on a bus, travel insurance will help you recoup your financial losses. I use and recommend  World Nomads .

Solo Female Travel in Lebanon: Is it Safe?

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

Where to Stay in Lebanon

Where’s the best place to stay in Lebanon? If you’re trying to see a lot of the country in a relatively short amount of time, it makes the most sense to stay in Beirut and do day trips. I stayed at the Radisson Blu Martinez . But there are options for all kinds of travelers.

If you want a fancy, crazy luxury experience: If you want top-notch luxury finishings and decor, go with the Sofitel Beirut Le Gabriel — it’s the best. If you want a splashed-out resort experience, go with the Movenpick Beirut , which has its own massive beach club.

If you want a small but funky local boutique hotel: The Albergo Hotel in the Achrafieh neighborhood has plant-filled terraces, local over-the-top decor, and a rooftop with a pool and outstanding views of the city.

If you want a mid-range hotel: The Radisson Blu Martinez , where I stayed, ticks all the boxes. The rooms are simple and the decor is dated, but it’s a solid option in a great neighborhood close to everything.

If you want a cheap but value-for-money place to stay: Loft 29 Residence is in the heart of the cool Hamra neighborhood, has all the facilities of apartments like laundry and a kitchen, and offers a free airport pickup in addition to very well-priced rooms.

Find deals on more places to stay in Beirut here.

How to Get Around Lebanon

There are three main ways to get around Lebanon: you can get around by driving (either renting a car, hiring a private driver, or using Uber for short distances), you can take public transportation (mostly minibuses), or you can book organized day trips.

Should you rent a car in Lebanon? For most people, I don’t recommend it. Lebanon is home to some of the worst driving I’ve ever seen (it’s up there with Georgia and Malta). Traffic into and out of Beirut is hectic, and drivers don’t hesitate to cut across entire highways, with no warning or turn signal.

I’ve driven in lots of countries, but I had ZERO desire to drive in Lebanon once I realized how crazy it would be. You may be different, though. If you thrive in driving in erratic environments, you might enjoy driving in Lebanon.

Otherwise, there’s hiring a private driver (which can start at $150 per day and get pricier from there); and hiring one-way taxis and/or Ubers. Ubers are mainly based in Beirut, so you’ll need to use taxis on the way back.

It’s also worth noting that not a lot of drivers in Lebanon have working seat belts in their cars.

Taking public transportation is another option. Minibuses operate from Beirut all over Lebanon, departing from Cola Intersection (usually points northeast and south) and Charles Helou Bus Station (usually points north).

It’s chaotic when you get there and it seems like there are no rules! But ask where you’re supposed to go and people will help direct you. Women are sat next to women on minibuses unless there’s no other option; you pay when you arrive at your destination. Bring small bills.

I found Tyre and Sidon to be an easy day trip to do by public transportation: it’s a straightforward journey down the highway; the minibuses drop you off in town; both cities can be easily explored on foot.

Finally, there are group day tours from Beirut. I’m not usually a take-a-day-tour-on-the-bus person, but I was glad I did two tours in particular: one to the Qozhaya Valley with Bcharré and the Cedars of Lebanon , and one to Baalbek, Anjar, and Ksara Winery . Those trips would be impossible to do in a day on public transit, and they went too far for an Uber or cab driver.

More on Lebanon:

What’s It REALLY Like to Travel in Lebanon?

More from the Middle East:

Visiting Petra in Jordan

Hanging Out in Kadikoy in Istanbul

Visiting the Burj al’Arab in Dubai

Have you been to Lebanon? What are your recommendations?

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Tourism in Lebanon

Tourism in Lebanon he tourism industry in Lebanon has been historically important to the local economy and remains to this day to be a major source of revenue for Lebanon. Before the Lebanese Civil War, Beirut was widely regarded as “The Paris of the Middle East,” often cited as a financial and business hub where visitors could experience the Levantine Mediterranean culture. Lebanon’s diverse atmosphere and ancient history make it an important destination which is slowly rebuilding itself after continued turmoil.

Lebanon offers plenty: from ancient Roman ruins, to well preserved castles, limestone caves, historic Churches and Mosques, beautiful beaches nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, world renown Lebanese cuisine, nonstop nightlife and discotheques, to mountainous ski resorts. Significant private investment is currently being made in the modernization and expansion of this sector and international hotel companies have returned to Lebanon. Casino du Liban, which historically constituted a major tourist destination, reopened in 1996.

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Lebanon is the only country in theArab world that offers skiing and related winter sports activities. The largest ski resort in the country has been expanded and modernized. The Government believes that, because of the return of peace and stability to the country and with the development of the necessary infrastructure, tourism will again contribute significantly to Lebanon’s economy. Lebanon’s tourism industry also relies on the large number of Lebanese living abroad, who return regularly to the country during the summer season. [1] Contents  [hide]  * 1 Cultural tourism * 1.  Archaeotourism * 2 Museums * 3 Religious Tourism * 4 World heritage sites * 4. 1 Anjar * 4. 2 Baalbeck * 4. 3 Byblos * 4. 4 Qadisha Valley and Cedars Forest * 4. 5 Tyre * 5 Ecotourism * 5. 1 Lebanese outdoors * 5. 2 Winter Sports * 6 Leisure * 7 Lebanese cuisine * 8 Lebanese crafts * 9 Popular tourist destinations in Lebanon * 10 Lebanese festivals * 11 Statistics and economy * 11. 1 Recent years * 12 Bibliography * 13 References * 14 External links| ————————————————- edit]Cultural tourism Old City of Sidon Lebanon is considered to be a mosaic of cultural diversity, where the Eastern and Western worlds meet in all their unique and historical richness. FromStone Age settlements to Phoenician city-states, from Roman temples to rock-cut hermitages, from Crusader Castles to Mamluk mosques andOttoman hammams, the country’s historical and archaeological sites are a true encyclopedia of ancient and modern world history. [2] Lebanon has a long standing history of cultural tourism.

Interest in the Lebanese Levantine culture was stirred following the visits of many Europeanorientalists, scholars and poets particularly Alphonse de Lamartine, Ernest Renan and Victor Guerin. [3][4] Lebanon’s cultural tourism focal points are historic monuments, archaeological sites, cultural venues, traditional art, rural customs, religious festivals and pilgrimage. [edit]Archaeotourism Archaeology in Lebanon has an old and productive history, many archaeological sites have been excavated and some restored, yet many remain buried under inhabited areas within the cities. 5] ————————————————- [edit]Museums Main article: List of museums in Lebanon Sursock Museum in Beirut. * Beirut National Museum, established in 1937 the museum exhibits about 100,000 objects, most of which are antiquities and medieval findings with approximately 1300 artifacts ranging in date from prehistoric times to the medieval Mamluk period. * Gibran Museum, originally a monastery in Bsharri, it was transformed into a museum by the Gibran National Committee in honoring of the Lebanese American philosopher, writer, poet, painter and theologian Gibran Khalil Gibran.

The museum exhibits Gibran’s notebooks, furniture, personal library, and paintings. [6] * AUB Museum, the third oldest museum in the near east, the AUB Museum exhibits Levantine artifacts from the Early Stone Age to the Islamicperiod. [7] The National Museum, Beirut Other major museums: * Ameen Rihani Museum * M. Farroukh Museum * Museum and Library of the Catholicosate of Cilicia * Baalbek Museum * Dahesh Museum of Art * Lebanese Heritage Museum * Expo Hakel Lebanon * Robert Mouawad Private Museum Lebanon * Byblos Fossil Museum Sursock Museum * Byblos Wax Museum * Memory of Time Museum * Sidon Soap Museum * Museum of Lebanese Prehistory Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa ————————————————- [edit]Religious Tourism Located in the heart of the two major world religions, Christianity and Islam, Lebanon has an old and rich religious background with diverse traditions. This is evident in the religious and multicultural blend that can be seen till present times and which gives a unique identity to the Lebanese society.

Lebanon has been a refuge for persecuted religious groups from thousands of years, and thus adding a vast amount of religious heritage to the country in both Christian and Islamic sanctuaries and holy places. [8] ————————————————- [edit]World heritage sites [edit]Anjar Tetrapylon at the center of the city of Anjar Inscribed as a world heritage site in 1984, Anjar was a commercial center for Levantine trade routes. [9] At only 1,300 years old, Anjar is one of Lebanon’s newer archaeological sites. 10] It was founded by the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abdel Malek (in the beginning of the 8th century) and takes its name from the ArabicAin Gerrah meaning “the source of Gerrah”, related to the Umayyad stronghold founded in the same era. [9][11] The city’s wide avenues are lined with mosques, palaces, baths, storehouses, and residences. The city ruins cover 114,000 square meters and are surrounded by large, fortified stone walls, over two meters thick and seven meters high. The rectangular city design is based on Roman city planning and architecture, with stonework and other features borrowed from the Byzantines.

Two large avenues – the 20-meter-wide Cardo Maximus, running north to south, and the Decumanus Maximus, running east to west – divide the city into four quadrants. At the crossroads in the center of the city, four great tetrapylons mark the four corners of the intersection. [10] [edit]Baalbeck Roman temple of Bacchus in Baalbeck During the Phoenician era, Baalbek was a small village where a triad of fertility gods were worshiped ( Baal-Shamash, Anat, and Aliyan). Little remains of the Phoenician structures of the city which was later named Heliopolis under the Hellenistic rule and extensively rebuilt by the Romans.

After the arrival of the Romans to Phoenicia in 64 B. C. , the city was transformed to a celebrated sanctuary where a Romanized triad of gods was worshiped (Jupiter, Venus and Mercury) and it was overlaid during a period of two centuries by a series of colossal temples. [12][13] Modern-day visitors to Baalbek can enter the site through the grand Roman propylaea and walk through the two large colonnaded courtyards to reach the complex’s great temples: * The Temple of Jupiter was the largest Roman temple ever constructed. Today, just six of the original 54 Corinthian columns remain standing.

Each column is 22 meters (66 ft) high and 2 meters (7. 5 ft) in diameter, hinting at the temple’s enormous size in the time of the Roman Empire . * The Temple of Bacchus is the best-preserved Roman temple in the Middle East. Although smaller than the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Bacchus is still larger than the Parthenon in Athens. The dedication and purpose of this temple, and its relationship to the rest of the temple complex, remain a mystery. * The Temple of Venus is a smaller, domed structure set apart to the southeast of the complex.

During the Byzantine period, the temple was converted into a church honoring Saint Barbara. * Only part of the staircase from the Temple of Mercury can still be seen on Sheikh Abdallah hill, a short distance away from the main temple site. [14] Baalbek was inscribed as a world heritage site in 1984. [15] The Byblos Port [edit]Byblos Byblos was inscribed as a world heritage site in 1984. Inhabited since the Neolithic age, it witnessed the arrival of successive civilizations, from Phoenicians and Crusaders to Ottoman Turks.

Byblos is a historical Mediterranean region dating back thousands of years and closely associated with the spread of the Phoenician alphabet. [16] The main touristic sites in Byblos: * Ancient Phoenician Temples, that include the Great Temple or L-Shaped temple, Temple of Baalat Gebal, and the Temple of the Obelisks. * Byblos Castle, a 12th century Crusader castle located near the port. * Byblos Mosque, considered to be the oldest mosque in the world. * Medieval City Wall * Byblos Wax Museum * St John the Baptist Church, a Crusader church built in 1150. * Byblos Fossil Museum Historic Quarter and Souks, near the entrance of the archaeological site. View of the Kadisha Valley and the Cedars Forest in the background [edit]Qadisha Valley and Cedars Forest Inscribed as a world heritage site in 1998, the Qadisha Valley and Cedars Forest (also known as the Forest of the Cedars of God) are considered to be of significant importance. The Qadisha valley was a settlement of early Christian monasticism, situated in a rugged landscape north of the Western Mountain Range of Lebanon. Near the valley lies the Cedars forest, a nature reserve dedicated for the preservation of the last Cedar trees, used n antiquity for the construction of Phoenician boats and religious buildings. [17] List of monasteries in the Qadisha Valley: * The Qannubin Monastery, the oldest of the Maronite monasteries in the valley. * The Monastery of St Anthony of Qozhaya, traditionally founded in the 4th century by St Hilarion. * The Monastery of Our Lady of Hawqa, founded in the late 13th century by villagers from Hawqa. * The Monastery of Mar Sarkis, Ehden, successively built in the 8th century, 1198 and 1690. * The Monastery of Mar Lishaa, comprising a Maronite solitary order and a Barefoot Carmelite order.

The Triumphal Arch in Tyre, Lebanon Other monasteries consist of the Monastery of Mar Girgis, with the Chapel of Mar Challita, the Monastery of Mar Yuhanna, the Monastery of Mar Abun, with the Hermitage of Mar Sarkis, and the Monastery of Mart Moura, Ehden. [edit]Tyre Tyre was inscribed as a world heritage site in 1984. It was the birthplace of the purple dye known as Tyrian purple and had founded several colonies in the Mediterranean such as Carthage and Cadiz. Many civilizations successively settled in Tyre from Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans to Crusaders and Ottoman Turks.

Today, there are still many valuable remains mainly from the Roman era. [18] Major archaeological sites in Tyre:[19] * Al-Bass site, having a three bay monumental arch, an extensive necropolis and a large hippodrome (all dating from the 2nd century AD to the 6th century AD). * City site, in the old Phoenician island city, it consists of colonnades, public baths, mosaics, streets, a vast district of civic buildings and a rectangular arena. ————————————————- [edit]Ecotourism Trekking in the Dunnieh mountains Ecotourism in Lebanon has a rich background of natural diversity and a wide ange of outdoor activities. With an original landscape consisting of mountains, forests, wildlife, beaches, snow fed rivers, caves, valleys and gorges, Lebanon is becoming more of an outdoor destination where people can visit its natural reserves and practice their ecotourism activities. [20] Horsh Ehden nature reserve Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve Ecotourism activities and sports:[21] * ATV (All-terrain vehicle) * Rafting * Hiking * Caving * Dirt biking * Via Ferrata * Rappelling * Horse riding * Snowboarding * Mountain biking * Mountain climbing Natural reserves: * Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve * La Reserve Afqa * Palm Islands Nature Reserve * Tannourine Nature Reserve * Tyre Beach Nature Reserve * Yammouneh Nature Reserve [edit]Lebanese outdoors Lebanon’s nature and geography, which are unique to the Middle East region, allow the practice of outdoor activities (mainly concentrated in the summer season). Nowadays, these activities are gaining more interest from nature lovers and becoming well equipped with the specific requirements and facilities. [22] Major Outdoor activities: * Camping, a popular outdoor activity concentrated between the months of May and September. Caving, an important Lebanese natural heritage (3 of the major caves are Afqa Grotto, Roueiss cave and Ain El Libne). *

Cycling, a notable activity of recent interest. * Hiking, an activity with a high number of trails (some of the hiking locations are Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, Ramlieh, Qammouah, theHorsh Ehden reserve and Nahr Ibrahim). * Paragliding, one of the best glide ports in the Middle East (the paragliding locations are The Cedars, Lassa, Miziara, Harissa, Barouk andFaraya). * Rafting, a recently introduced sport practiced in locations like the Assi, the Litani and the Awali rivers. edit]Winter Sports Although Lebanon is considered to be a summer destination, winter sports are becoming more in demand due to the close geographical location of the mountain peaks from the Mediterranean sea and the unique winter experience that visitors have. Lebanese winter sports include Alpine skiing and Cross Country in addition to paragliding, snowmobiling, and hiking. [23] The Ski resorts: * The Cedars, 1850–3087 m above sea level and 120 km from Beirut. * Laqlouq, 1750-2200m above sea level and 60 km from Beirut. * Faqra, 1800–2400 m above sea level and 45 km from Beirut. Faraya-Mzaar, 1850–2500 m above sea level and 45 km from Beirut. * Qanat Bakiche, 1900 m above sea level and 60 km from Beirut. * Zaarour, 1700–2000 m above sea level and 40 km from Beirut. ————————————————- [edit]Leisure Riviera Beach and Hotel Resort Lebanon has a 200 km of seashore with about 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a favorable destination for leisure and activities that expand in different parts of the country. [24] Popular Beaches and water parks in Lebanon: * Oceana beach resort * Edde Sands * Laguava Resort Cyan * Janna sur mer * Green Beach * Riviera Beach Club * Bamboo bay * Waves Aquapark * Watergate Aquapark Art Galleries in Lebanon: * Zamaan Gallery, includes a collection of more than 1700 paintings by Lebanese and Middle Eastern artists (www. zamaangallery. com) ————————————————- [edit]Lebanese cuisine Main article: Lebanese cuisine A typical Lebanese mezze The Lebanese cuisine, mostly resembling Turkish cuisine, combines the exotic ingredients of the Middle and Far East with the sophistication ofEuropean cuisine.

Although the Lebanese cuisine has a recent popularity throughout the world, its history dates back to pre-biblical times. This easternMediterranean cuisine, which is located in a relatively small geographical area, has had a major influence on Middle Eastern cuisine and other neighboring culinary cultures. Nowadays, Lebanese cuisine is known throughout the world, especially with the recent emphasis on the health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine. The significant importance of this ancient cuisine has also inspired professional chefs and restaurateurs across the country to feature exciting Lebanese items on their menus.

Popular Lebanese Restaurants in Lebanon: Mounir, Karamna, Leila, Al Balad, Kababji, and Al Halabi[25] ————————————————- [edit]Lebanese crafts Wood works on display in Carpenter’s Alley, Sidon Lebanese crafts have a sense of style and beauty that attract many tourists interested in these unique handcrafted items which are considered as a significant souvenir of the tour. The production method of Lebanese crafts are mainly concentrated in small villages where the old skills are handed from generation to generation, produced from local raw materials and carefully made with a sophisticated aesthetic and skill.

Different regions of the country specialize in various handicrafts such as basketry, carpet weaving, ceramics and pottery, copper and metalworking, embroidery, glass blowing, and gold and silver smithing. Some Lebanese villages are also known for their finely crafted church bells. [26] ————————————————- [edit]Popular tourist destinations in Lebanon Nejmeh square in Beirut Central District * Sidon a 6,000 year old city on the southern coast of Lebanon.

This city is an up-and-coming tourist destination boasting several attractions like the Sidon Soap Museum, Sidon Sea Castle, Old City, Our Lady of Mantara, Eshmun Temple… etc. * Faraya Mzaar Kfardebian a prominent Lebanese ski area and mountain resort. * Beirut the capital city which features thriving nightlife, fantastic restaurants, and the famous Raouche Rock * Harissa where visitors can take the Teleferique up Mount Harissa to visit Our Lady of Lebanon. * Jeita Grotto recognized as one of the most magnificent limestone caves in the world. Beiteddine a small city in Chouf which hosts the Beiteddine Palace and the Beiteddine Festival. * Batroun a small city in north Lebanon which has the famous Mousaylaha citadel built by the Crusaders. * Tripoli, Lebanon the second largest city which has seen many empires, with an infamous souk, the 5,000 year old Tripoli Castle, and one of the oldest ports in the world in its neighboring city El Mina. * Beirut Central District is the cultural and economic hub of the country. Home to numerous historical sites, the BCD also hosts a wide array of hotels, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs… etc.

It is by far the most visited tourist venue in Lebanon. During the summer, the squares and parks of the BCD turn into huge open-air concert halls boasting regional and international performance. ————————————————- [edit]Lebanese festivals Inner courtyard of the Beiteddine palace where the Beiteddine Festival takes place. There is a wide range of festivals that take place in Lebanon, especially in the summer season where festivities including both Lebanese and international performers take place in major archaeological and historical sites, including Baalbek, Byblos (Jbail), and Beiteddine. 27] Major Lebanese festivals: * Aanjar Festival * Al Bustan Festival * Baalbeck International Festival * Beiteddine Festival * Byblos International Festival * Deir el Qamar Festival * Tyre Festival ————————————————- [edit]Statistics and economy 3 MEA Airbus A321s parked at the west wing of Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport Tourism was once a very important contributor to Lebanon’s economy, accounting for almost 20 percent of the GDP in the 2 decades before the start of the civil war.

Since the end of the war, the sector has managed to revive somewhat, but tourism has yet to return to its pre-war levels. Tourism in 1999 accounted for 9 percent of the GDP. In 2001, the tourism sector was one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy, with the number of tourists visiting Lebanon between 1996 and 2000 growing at the rate of 14 percent annually. [28] In 2003 the tourism industry contributed 6. 374 billion U. S. dollars to the Lebanese economy and in 2005 the receipts per capita reached 1,433 U. S. dollars. 29] In 2006 the ministry of Tourism counted 373,037 admissions to the country’s main ministry run touristic sites. [30] In 2009, Lebanon hosted about two million tourists, a record number, passing the previous 1974 record of 1. 4 million tourists. [31] The number of tourists grew by 39% over the previous year, the largest increase in any country according the World Tourism Organization. [32] Most of the increase is due to heightened political stability and security. Lebanon was also featured by several international media outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, and Paris Match, as a top tourist destination at the beginning of 2009. 33] Lebanon’s annual income from tourism reached $7 billion, about 20 percent of gross domestic product, according to the Minister of Tourism. [31] Despite the recent surge in popularity as a tourist destination, the U. S. State Department continues to “urge U. S. citizens to avoid all travel to Lebanon due to current safety and security concerns”. [34] [edit]Recent years Year| International Tourist Arrivals| [35] Market share in the Middle East[35]| 1995| 450,000|  | 2000| 472,000| 3. 1%| 2003| 1,016,000|  | 2004| 1,278,000|  | 2005| 1,140,000| 2. 9%| 2010| 2,351,081|  | 2011| 2,001,811|  |

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• April 30, 2021
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The Future of Tourism in Lebanon and Our Responsibility as Tourists and Locals

Sari haddad.

Please note that Al Rawiya does not contain advertising. None of the people, products, companies, or services mentioned in this magazine are advertisements or paid features.

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and has been a catalyst for international   development for years. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and Oxford Economics, the sector employed a whopping 332 million people worldwide in 2019 . It’s an industry that has shaped cities, built cultures, and helped bring the world together.

Moreover, the sector has been the backbone of Lebanon’s economy for years and has played a key role in the socio-economic development of Beirut specifically. As a matter of fact, the focus of the international market has been on Beirut as a tourist destination. In contrast, rural Lebanon, with the exception of a few day-trips, has been sorely neglected and underpromoted by locals and businesses alike, which has therefore affected its development and its opportunities for growth. 

Nonetheless, a double-edged sword is a good metaphor for the travel and tourism industry, because for all the benefit it may provide, if left unmanaged and unregulated, it can do more harm than good. For example, the destruction of natural resources can change the identity and culture of a whole city, town, village, or destination. To further illustrate this, in an effort to tackle over-tourism in many areas, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) even advised closing off some locations like Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le Island in Thailand in order to protect the natural environment and local communities. Today, in a world without tourism, we have realized how vital this industry is and are rethinking our approach towards it. As we recover from the pandemic, it is crucial that we make sustainability the driving goal both locally and globally. 

What is sustainable tourism? 

First, we need to define what exactly sustainable tourism is. According to the UNWTO , it is “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

In other words, sustainable tourism is tourism that :

• ensures local economic development and reinvests in the local region.
• has the least negative impact on the environment and communities.
• embraces and becomes a part of local culture.
• is profitable and viable for operators, tourists, and local communities 

Opportunities for the Tourism Industry in Lebanon

To recover from the impact of shutdowns and border closures due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, governments all over the world have been spending their reduced annual tourism marketing budgets on domestic tourism promotions. “Staycations” and local travel have become the driving force in this sector over the past year and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. 

Herein lies a huge opportunity for Lebanon. What’s more, the tourism industry can also help get the country out of its current economic crisis. 

In recent times, a surge in domestic rural tourism has shed light on beautiful destinations within Lebanon to explore, as opposed to the usual popular attractions. These destinations have seen significant economic growth, thanks to cultural events and lively attractions, which help attract tourists. However, these same destinations have seen a negative impact on their scarce natural resources like waterfalls to forests, and on their cultural resources, from traditions to identity. Our rare natural gems could not cope with this rapid increase in visitor numbers and we ended up causing more harm than good and some destinations seem to have lost their essence becoming like a big shopping center for visitors.

Destination management

To be able to attract both residents and international visitors without damaging natural and cultural resources, destinations should be better prepared to accommodate visitors whilst being properly monitored and managed. This management has to be done by the local authorities, communities,  destination management organizations, the National Tourism Board, and, in an ideal world, the Ministry of Tourism. 

The need for local destination management and responsible tourism practices by tour operators, tourists, and the community should focus on three main areas: society, economy, and environment.

Society and Culture

Tourism brings communities together and in a country like Lebanon with many invisible barriers, it might be the thing to create a bridge of tolerance and acceptance that spreads the cultural shift we so desperately need. Most Lebanese in Lebanon live in communities that share the same background, culture, and religion. Due to this, they might not interact and know their fellow compatriots until they actually get out of their areas for work in another city. 

What tourism does is give citizens the opportunity to learn and discover how diverse and rich their own countries are. For instance, people living in Jounieh (a predominantly Christian area), visiting Tripoli during Ramadan nights and mingling with the Tripolitans, tasting their food and drinks, and staying up late until suhoor (the meal eaten by Muslims during Ramadan right before sunrise) and tarawih prayers (nightly prayers said by Sunni Muslims during Ramadan) get to experience a different side of Lebanon than what they’re used to. Also, people from Tripoli (predominantly Muslim) joining Eid el Sayde (a Christian religious holiday) in Ehden. Eyes sparkle and hearts fill with joy after days and nights like these. It is during such moments that we realize that the cultural and religious diversity in Lebanon is a blessing and never a curse. Tourism will help raise a culture of acceptance and tolerance that the country is very in need of, these imaginary borders will diminish and will become a bond that we all embrace. 

Respecting cultures, accents, traditions, and values is key to a healthy and harmonious nation. A tourist should strive to preserve a destination and its communities’ norms. For instance, if the norm is not drinking on a beach, then that should be respected or if the local communities do not encourage wearing revealing swimwear in their local river, then it is on everyone to respect and behave in a way that always keeps the local community comfortable.

When thinking about going on a tour or visiting a place, our impact on the destination is the first thing that should come to mind. Even on a budget, we should aim to spend most of it in our destination, bringing the most economic benefit to the residents who will reinvest their income into the region. This will create a cycle of development where a tourist’s spending is directly contributing to the well-being of locals, creating more job opportunities, and reducing migration of youth into the cities and abroad, especially in Lebanon’s case.

Simple ways to be a more responsible tourist in Lebanon and support the communities you are visiting could include: 

• Having breakfast in the village you’re going to rather than on the way. By avoiding the huge bakery on the highway and choosing the small one in the village, you’re sure to have a great bite, interact with the locals, and enjoy your time. 
• Hiring a local guide who can show you the beauty that they see in their hometown and give you valuable information that you won’t find in a book or on Google. They help form a more personal relationship with the place you’re going to as well. 
• Sleeping at small guesthouses, inns or bed and breakfasts rather than hotels. Guesthouses are by far the most intimate experience you can have with the locals, as you’ll be staying at their homes, eating their traditional food, and sharing their stories. It can make your stay all the richer.

Environment

Pick your walks and hikes in places in Lebanon that you know are being taken care of and looked after by a local organization, even if it means paying a small entry fee. Hiking in a nature reserve like the Shouf Cedar Reserve , Jabal Moussa, or the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, etc., is a unique experience while also being an ecologically conscious one. This is the most responsible form of ecotourism, because you know your impact is minimal compared to unmanaged destinations. 

Should you decide to enjoy an unmanaged track or reserve, do not litter or light random campfires and follow the motto, “leave nothing but footprints.” Try taking it a step further and doing the environment a huge favor by picking up some of the trash left by others. 

Bear in mind that sometimes a responsible tourist also teaches the locals a lot on how to take care of their own areas. By showing responsible practices in rural areas whose citizens do not value its natural resources, we can therefore teach the locals how to treat and take care of their own villages. This is especially true once there is a certain awareness that these resources are a direct link to economic and social benefit.

Sustainable Tourism Success Stories in Lebanon

Sustainable tourism is not a foreign concept in Lebanon and there are many villages that are already benefiting from it. 

Douma’s old souk (markets) was built as a product of their trading importance. It used to be the meeting point between traders from Baalbeck, Batroun, and neighboring coasts. Today, this souk is alive again due to local tourists and sustainable tourism practices and management. There, you’ll find bakeries, ice cream parlors, local grocers, artisanal crafts, restaurants, and coffee shops. 

A beautiful village in the heights of the Jbeil mountains, Akoura is a hidden gem. Locals lived off of their lands’ apple harvests for generations, but the Syrian Civil War decreased their exports and crop value significantly. The village used to be a destination for some adventure lovers as well, with its beautiful hiking trails, flowing  river, hidden waterfalls, and  the Ruwais cave (which is second to Jeita in terms of size). 

Over time, with some local initiatives and support from destination management companies and operators, the youth of Akoura started to capitalize on their strengths  and the village gained popularity year after year. Nowadays, it hosts groups all year round, has six guesthouses, a few trained local guides, a yearly camping event that hosts thousands of visitors, apple picking events, and a range of family activities. Akoura is an example of how initiatives in the area can benefit the village as a whole and transform it into a tourist destination while still supporting its residents.

In conclusion, tourism in Lebanon bounces back after every blow the country takes. Yet tomorrow, it is up to us to make sure that we are growing in a healthy and sustainable way, so that this country thrives for generations to come. We can help our tourism industry thrive while protecting our environment, stimulating our economy, and embracing our culture. We are ambassadors with a huge responsibility and a responsible tourist then creates a responsible local, in turn leading to a responsible community and finally (we hope!) a responsible municipality and government. 

Sari Haddad is a hospitality and tourism professional and the founder of Lebanese Wanderers, a platform that promotes rural tourism in Lebanon whilst working with local authorities on sustainable rural development. Its aim is to also show you the authentic Lebanon with all its beautiful wonders, culture and secrets, which you may not necessarily see in mainstream media.

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Makary honors renowned artists shamas, tarabey and younis: they are part of our memory and lebanese heritage, makary discusses women empowerment related programs with un official, ‘fighters for peace’ extends invitation to makary to partake in ‘green line tour’ on lebanese war anniversary, a closed meeting on the sidelines of easter mass between the patriarch and justice, tele-communications, tourism & information cabinet ministers, makary meets jamaa islamiya delegation, two nights of broken sleep can make people feel years older, makary, reporters without borders delegation discuss topics related to journalists’ freedom and protection, breast cancer drug breakthrough could benefit women regardless of their age, scientists divided over whether record heat is acceleration of climate crisis, makary broaches general situation with mp hout, makary, argentinian ambassador discuss means to bolster bilateral ties, two new rare covid vaccine side effects revealed by global study of over 99 million people, makary at balamand media conference advocates for balancing ai advancements with core values, minister makary visits patriarch yazigi at balamand, makary welcomes hrw delegation.

February 21, 2016 Tourism Leave a comment

The Lebanese tourism industry has been one of the main growth engines in its local economy and continues to be a major revenue generator for the country. Lebanon is renowned for being one of the top tourist destinations thanks to its strategic geographical position, rich historic sites, mild climate and quality of its services. Lebanon natural beauty and diverse terrain offers a wide range of outdoor activities: skiing, hiking, swimming, camping, caving, sky diving, parachuting, canoeing, bungee jumping and more. Lebanon is an ancient land who served for centuries as a sanctuary for persecuted religious groups. Those groups left a heritage of a rich mosaic of religious beliefs, diverse traditions, and a vast amount of Christian and Islamic sanctuaries and holy places. Lebanon is a leading center for medical tourism in the region attracting foreign patients from all over the world. It offers an unparalleled wealth of medical resources at a very affordable and competitive cost. The country is known for its specialized physicians and surgeons, advanced medical services, highly experienced nursing staff, internationally accredited hospitals and ideal climate. Lebanon’s rich cuisine, vibrant nightlife, world class hotels, wide range of festivals , and many other factors, have made it one of the most visited countries for tourism in the Middle East.  

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Ecotourism in lebanon and challenges.

The Daily Star newspaper published a report today on ecotourism in Lebanon, highlighting its current context and the challenges it faces. Gilbert Mukhaiber, a passionate hiker, mountaineer and ecotourism engineer noted that ecotourism in Lebanon is currently limited to walks in natural reserves or hiking on mountain tracks. He explained that local community empowerment, rural development, sustainable food production, managing natural resources and the preservation of traditions and cultural heritage are all part of the experience. He further explained that efforts to spread awareness about the importance ecotourism were aimed more at the Lebanese than at foreign visitors, adding that in Lebanon, the culture of nature preservation does not exist, but the damage done to the environment in recent decades had raised concerns for protecting natural heritage. As for challenges, Mukhaiber noted that conflicts and insecurity in many rural areas where some reserves are located, including North Lebanon and Beqaa, have made those sites off limit. He added that other challenges are related to uncontrolled urbanization and quarrying which have deprived Lebanon of more than 35 percent of its existing “green” space, thus negatively affecting ecotourism. Mukhaiber also noted that one of the big challenges ecotourism workers have to confront is the total lack of laws to regulate this part of the tourism sector. For his part, Shaker Noon, co-founder of Baldati, an ecology-oriented association, noted that despite the constraints, ecotourism is gaining popularity in Lebanon, and more people are showing interest in protecting the environment and investing in their own communities. Source: The Daily Star 2 December 2014

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• Minister of Environment reiterates the importance of preserving Lebanon Mountain Trail to strengthen economic opportunities in rural villages 13-5-2014 Read more
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Tourism In Lebanon

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Hospitality And Tourism In Lebanon Tourism Essay

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015

Disclaimer: This essay has been written and submitted by students and is not an example of our work. Please click this link to view samples of our professional work witten by our professional essay writers . Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssayCompany.

Lebanon is a very old nation rich in natural beauty. It provides charming seashores and internal mountainous area with fresh surroundings. Accommodations vary from extravagance establishments to mid-range hotels providing to families. Leisure can be set up in these hotels for both children and parents. Transportations in Lebanon are easy to access; buses and taxis are all over the place. Lebanon is famous for its old and new attractions for example museums, grottos and ski resorts. Cities as well are attractions to tourists; in each city there is something new to learn about and experience.

Lebanon is filled with local and international restaurants. Prices differ as you get to choose the location and type of cuisine. Besides that, cruises became popular in Lebanon, different type of games in it has let the tourist to come and experience. Other gaming sectors are also found in Lebanon, for instance skiing, and bungee jumping from the high mountains within the destination. The clubs present plenty of preferences and mixtures of services so guests can experience and have fun. The mixture of entertaining and meetings has aimed to the higher the expansion movement in tourism.

Apart from that, most of the facilities marketing departments have adopted a customer segmentation system so as to optimize revenues and reduce on the expenses. This leads to maximized yields. Segmentation gives the clients a sense of belonging and makes them loyal to the clubs. The sales staff is also highly trained so that they can handle ambitious targets and execute them in real time. Lebanon welcomes the guests with its warm hospitality that everyone talks about.

Introduction

Lebanon, the smallest country in the Middle East, has been an important destination and a spotlight to tourists from around the world for its strategic position next to the Mediterranean Sea. Its tourism industry rate has been increasing each year. Lebanon is popular for its ancient history that had gone from the remains of ancient Roman to well conserved palaces of the medieval times. Looking at its touristic side, Lebanon is the only Arab country that offers skiing activities, and for its breathtaking scenery, it offers a spectacular view of the old and new. As for its night life, Lebanon has the best restaurant club in the Middle East, the Sky Bar, where foreign lives the inspiration of its special events and wild life. Beside the night parties, Lebanon still maintains its high quality food such as Tabouleh, Hommous, Kebbeh, and not forgetting its traditional desserts Knafe and Um Ali. On the other hand, hospitality plays a very important role where traditional Lebanese hotels are highly recommended for their gracious services. Hotels there welcome you with the best hospitality in which they make sure to please their guests. By far, Lebanon is one of the most popular Arab countries that most tourists visit and speak highly about its hospitality.

Accessibility

The transportation infrastructure in Lebanon is very different as some areas have high quality especially modern primary and secondary roads, bridges, highways and most importantly the Beirut international airports. Whereas some parts of the country still have poor road conditions due to the Lebanese civil war in (1975-1990) and Lebanon War (2006) with Israel that damaged the roads and railed networks massively. The major forms of transport in Lebanon are buses, taxis, and ferries. The most popular mode of transportation is the service taxis, which is easily identifiable from the red number plate. Apart from travelling from the international airport, one can travel through to Lebanon from Cyprus by ferry and Damascus by road.

Tourists would like to improve their experience when traveling; therefore they would like to shop. Lebanon is very well known for its fashion designers, so tourists are able to visit the boutiques that are located in Beirut. Malls are located in Beirut as well. Traditional Lebanese shops can be found on the streets, where tourists can have a look and grab something for a memory. Also, festivals like Baalbek, Byblos and Beiteddine take place each year presenting different themes. Mostly, these events have opportunities toward tourists to find out remarkable sites and cherish some moments. In addition, Lebanon includes best hospitals with experienced doctors that have completed their field in Europe. When it comes to education, universities in Lebanon are widely recognized as the best edification in the Middle East.

Attractions

Lebanon holds large selection of valleys, old structures, and admired traveler places that must be explored by tourists when visiting. From Beirut to Baalbek, Sidon to Tyre, Tripoli to Byblos, and many more cities in Lebanon are themselves tourist's attractions. Beirut National Museum is an example of the historic monuments that was recognized in Lebanon in 1937 and was officially opened in 1942. This museum holds several pieces of antiques and work of art back then from the ancient era. Another museum tourists visits the most is Gibran museum that opened in 1995. Besides that, Jeita Grotto a beautiful limestone cave is positioned in the North of Beirut. It's one of the main attractions and was elected to be one of the 7 wonders of the world. It consists of lower and upper caves. Tourists should take a boat to discover the lower cave, as it controls a belowground river which supplies the Lebanese with fresh water.

Accommodations

Lebanon is always ready when it comes to accommodations. Other than hotels and chalets, many cities in Lebanon like Batroun and Jounieh offer apartments and villas for rent. One of the trendiest is SAIFI Suites; it is to be found in the center of Beirut. It's next to the Gemmayzeh; the best place for social and entertainment activities at night. This 4-star hotel tends to provide Wi-Fi without charging the customer, and leisure centers for relaxation. For site seen, this accommodation contains a balcony in each suite where you are able to glaze at the beautiful view of the town. The hotel's restaurant and wine lounge, serve selections of food and beverages to satisfy the customer's needs. There are room types in this hotel; one of them is the deluxe one-bedroom suite that holds a maximum of two people and is for 844 AED per night.

Restaurants

Lebanon still maintains its reliability when it comes to food. The traditional Lebanese food is highly spoken about and enjoyed by many people around the world. However, tourists can experience not only Lebanese cuisines but also different types of cuisines that are extended throughout the cities' and villages' restaurants in Lebanon. All restaurants differ in prices depending on the location and the category they fall in. For instance, Al Dente is an Italian restaurant in the Albergo Hotel at Achrafieh. It’s a quiet restaurant, where tourists can listen to Italian music playing in the background while dining. Moreover, downtown Beirut includes many restaurants with reasonable prices that satisfy everyone. Karam Beirut is one of the restaurants there, which targets many tourists who look for the best Lebanese restaurant.

Known for its hospitality, Lebanon offers the tourists 500 different choices of hotels to experience. These hotels are classified from their quality and service depending on the position and price. Most top hotels that provide greatest services are known to be located at the sea-side. For example, The Riviera Hotel, a 5 star rate in Beirut, located opposite to the Mediterranean Sea, was opened in 1956. This hotel is identified as one of the most visited accommodation by tourists. One hundred twenty guest rooms and suites provided are modernized to add a trendy experience to this deluxe atmosphere. Fifty six years and this hotel still maintain its steadiness comparing it to others. Moreover, the prices differ from a season to another; in summer vacation tourists come to visit Lebanon therefore the prices of hotels are set to be high. However, from October till May the prices are flexible and able to be discussed.

Clubs and Mice Facilities

Being a country located in the Middle East, Lebanon is not widely known to be a tourist destination. This is due to the circumstances facing the region since over the years; war has been the most major situation that prevails. "This made it difficult for the country to emerge as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions" (MICE). "Business events sector is a sector that is among the top sectors in terms of growth in any economy" (Baum 2009, p.8). However in recent years, Lebanon has defied these adverse circumstances. "There are many incentive rewards that accompany audience to a conference to any country" (Weber 2002, p.102). The country has even described the sector as one of the key drivers of the economy in terms of foreign direct investment. Tourists coming into the country always mean an improvement to the domestic economy. Since the country is still gaining ground in the industry, there are not as many MICE facilities and clubs as compared to the western countries. Regardless, the rate at which the sector is growing is worth noting given all the odds against the country.

To attract more tourists, modern facilities have been built for future use. Most of them have contemporary interior designs, with each unit being self-sufficient. Each unit contains a private bar for clients to enjoy their stay in a sophisticated manner. The clubs have interactive television systems that allow tourists on the forum to interact through video conferencing. International satellite channels are also available in these facilities. Internet connectivity is paramount since it is the easiest way to connect and also interact on a real time basis. It is also important for staying in touch with all the stakeholders involved including their families back at home. Apart from the suites, there are also large conferences halls, to improve meetings and conferencing. One of these clubs, Club Rotana, is in Beirut. Most tourists visiting Lebanon for conferencing purposes end up at this modern club. Movenpick Hotel and Resort also located in Beirut is another key MICE facility in Lebanon. This hotel held a dynamic conference on education and networking in the month of October this year. These star hotels attract clients due to their charming look and comfort.

Gaming and Cruising Sector

The luxurious suites and advanced technology are not the only centers of attraction in these facilities. There are other activities that make these facilities significant tourist attraction sites. This is because the resorts have cruising and gaming spots. The games range from casinos to skiing in the mountains. Most of the facilities are in the capital city Beirut since the city is in a favorable environment for conducting activities such as cruising. Facilities such as Club Rotana have Casinos. This is because most tourists engage in these activities during their leisure time. One company offering cruising services is the Abou Merhi Cruises. This company has several cruise ships that tourists use during their cruising endeavors. Abou Merhi is in Beirut, the heart of Lebanese tourism and MICE facilities. This firm also boasts of over thirty two gaming machines, and also over seven poker games. The hotels will assign each of these games their own tables. Different clients can gather at different tables according to their taste. Casino gambling is illegal in some countries. In Lebanon, it is legal. This attracts clients that come from those countries where it is illegal to gamble at casinos. Abou Merhi is complete with hotel residence suites. This firm owns a cruising boat known as Orient Queen. The tourists are able to gamble in a casino and at the same time cruise during any time of any day. Some clients do not like gambling. They will play Bingo which is easier to do than gambling. This game does not require an individual to have any experience so as to enjoy. One can chat and make friends while enjoying a day long cruise.

Gambling is not the only game offered in Lebanon. There are other exciting and fun games such as lottery, dog racing and horse racing. These games not only show excitement but they also add to the experiences of tourists and this will convince them to continue visiting the country. The combination of fun and conferencing concerns in these Lebanese clubs has led to the upward trend in growth, in tourism.

Hospitality management, HR Practices, and Marketing Management Companies

The development of these sectors has emanated from the management of the facilities and policies set by them. Management is a key driver in the growth of any business. It involves taking into account every aspect of the business and making decisions concerning the business. In order to satisfy their clients from abroad, the managers of these facilities have to make decisions on hospitality and design routines that are secure according to the clients. "International hospitality management in Lebanon is capital intensive" (Yu 1999, p.99). Some of these clubs such as Club Rotana have lounges facing the Mediterranean Sea giving the tourists a spectacular view of the sea. The tourists are also subject to private reception when they are checking in and also when they are checking out. Most of the clients that visit Lebanon in search of MICE facilities belong to the upper class in the society. They prefer better and luxurious spots. Privacy is paramount for these clients. This is why most clubs and MICE facilities are situated in magnificent locations to attract these clients.

The administration also ensures that their clients have access to daily local newspapers on a daily basis. This keeps the clients at par with what is happening globally. This is an appropriate hospitality decision made by managers of these facilities. This makes the facilities self reliant such that the clients do not have to travel elsewhere searching for informative media such as the newspapers. The Human Resource section only hires qualified staff that is capable. This is done to ensure that the staff upholds professionalism and perform their duties with integrity. Their purpose is to provide the best when it comes to Arab hospitality. They dedicate their energy to raising standards in the hotel and accommodation industry. The clubs know that if standards are low, they will not attract as many clients especially from foreign countries. They must provide services that are hard to find in the clients’ countries.

The management of these facilities also commits to learning of different cultures of different countries so as to be able to provide the best according to the clients’ backgrounds. This is the only way that they will be able to understand what their clients prefer most. With this knowledge, the clubs will be able to satisfy their clients and ensure that they make the club their destination of choice if they ever visit Lebanon again. The marketing departments targets attracting corporate clients and maintaining close contacts with them. Personal relationships between the clubs and the clients create friendship. This friendship translates to formation of loyal customers. The customers will attract their close allies and recommend the clubs to them. This creates an increased market base for the clubs from all around the world.

Franchising and ethical

Franchising has become a popular interest in Lebanon. Since the tourism sector is still developing, most businesses are resorting to franchising their products in order to appeal to new clients globally. The hotels and clubs use names of already established brands in other countries so as to gain access to these markets. Once foreign clients know about these clubs and hotels, they will earn interest. This will create a new market for the Lebanese clubs and hotels. Lebanon has liberal laws that guarantee the existence of a free market. The laws also encourage foreign investment. The Lebanese Commercial Code governs all the companies in Lebanon, and as a requirement, the companies have to maintain a lawyer. The lawyer ensures that the decision makers understand legal procedures in the event of any decision making. All corporations doing business in Lebanon have to pay a tax rate of not more than ten percent of the net profits. The corporations should also pay a five percent rate on dividends. The Lebanese business entities maintain the integrity and treat their clients with respect. They also treat their employees well to ensure their businesses success.

Lebanon started to build new facilities to magnetize tourists. Today, Lebanon holds many attractions where visitors can explore via much transportation. It also contains great activities such as skiing, caving, and swimming to entertain tourists. It as well provides bungee jumping and parachuting that occur in the mountains. Hotels and restaurants are always opened to welcome tourists and locals with the best they have. City and country clubs are always there with their facilities to allow you both relax and amuse. In general, visiting this small country that is full of artificial and natural thrills will allow the tourist to experience and gain knowledge about the Lebanese culture.

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Israeli Response to Iran Attack Seems Inevitable, Despite Allies’ Pleas

“We will make our own decisions,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rebuffing European diplomats’ requests to stand down.

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By Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Michael Levenson

European diplomats traveled to Israel on Wednesday to make one more plea for restraint in response to the aerial attack that Iran launched this weekend, but Britain’s foreign secretary acknowledged that an Israeli reprisal seemed inevitable.

“It is clear that the Israelis are making a decision to act,” the British foreign secretary, David Cameron, told the BBC, just before he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We hope that they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible.”

Israel’s allies, including the United States, Britain and Germany, have joined other world leaders in repeatedly pressing Mr. Netanyahu to avoid taking any action that could increase tensions with Iran, which launched more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel on Saturday night, Tehran’s first direct attack on Israel.

But Mr. Netanyahu, after meeting with Mr. Cameron and Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, said that Israel would “do everything necessary to defend itself.”

He thanked Israel’s allies for their “support in words and support in actions” in remarks before a cabinet meeting, according to his office. But, he added: “They also have all kinds of suggestions and advice. I appreciate it. But I want to make it clear — we will make our own decisions.”

Vedant Patel, a State Department spokesman, said at a news conference in Washington on Wednesday that the United States was pushing for a “unified diplomatic response” to the Iranian attack and was urging Israel to avoid “further escalation.” But he added, “These decisions are for Israel to make as a sovereign, democratic country.”

Israel’s war cabinet has met several times since the weekend to discuss when and how to respond to Iran’s barrage of ballistic missiles and exploding drones, almost all of which were intercepted by Israel’s air defenses, supported by the United States, Britain, France and Jordan.

Israeli officials are said to be considering a range of options , from a direct strike on Iran to a strike on an Iranian target, such as an Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps base, in a country other than Iran, to a cyberattack or assassinations, trying to send a clear message to Tehran while not starting a major escalation.

“Israel will respond when it sees fit,” an Israeli official said on Wednesday, adding that it had “multiple ways” to do so. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military strategy.

Iranian leaders have warned that the country will react forcefully to any Israeli strike. “We will respond with more deadly weapons,” the Iranian army’s commander in chief, Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, said on Wednesday.

Iran said it had attacked Israel in response to an April 1 airstrike on a diplomatic compound in Syria , which killed at least three senior Iranian commanders and four officers overseeing Iran’s covert operations in the Middle East.

Ms. Baerbock said it was critical to prevent “the highly dangerous situation in the Middle East from turning into a regional conflagration,” the German news outlet Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported.

“As the G7, we speak with one voice,” Ms. Baerbock said after arriving in Italy on Wednesday for a meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of 7 nations. “All players in the region are called upon to exercise maximum restraint.”

Mr. Cameron said that the Group of 7, which includes the United States as well as Britain and Germany, should work together to punish Iran with sanctions. U.S. and European officials said on Tuesday that they were considering placing additional sanctions on Iran that could target its oil revenue and weapons programs.

Although Iran’s attack has shifted international focus away from the war in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military has continued to bomb some parts of the territory, and many Gazans remain desperate for food.

This week, throngs of Palestinians lined up to buy bread at two bakeries that had reopened in Gaza City. The Israeli military said the opening of the bakeries was a sign of improving conditions for civilians in northern Gaza, where residents are facing the severest hunger crisis.

But some Gazans said the bakeries were not making enough bread to meet the overwhelming demand.

“People line up there for around three hours to get one and only one bag of bread,” said Mazen Harazeen, 39, a paramedic in Gaza City with nine children, who walked nearly two miles to reach one of the bakeries. Their impact, he said, would be “very small.”

Fuel for the bakeries was delivered by the United Nations last Sunday and was scheduled to run out by Friday, said Abeer Etefa, a spokeswoman for the U.N. World Food Program. It was not clear when more fuel would arrive, she said.

The World Food Program added in a social media post, “We need safe and sustained access to prevent famine.”

As Israel battles Hamas, it was struck again on Wednesday by another Iranian-backed group, the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, which claimed responsibility for a drone and missile attack on northern Israel.

The Israeli military said 14 soldiers were wounded, six of them severely, making it one of the most damaging strikes in recent months by Hezbollah, which has been trading fire with Israel over the Lebanon-Israel border.

Hezbollah said the attack was a response to Israeli airstrikes a day earlier that the Israeli military said had killed two Hezbollah commanders.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border , and in recent months Israeli strikes inside Lebanon have begun to creep deeper into the country’s interior .

Reporting was contributed by Adam Rasgon , Euan Ward , Ronen Bergman , Aaron Boxerman , Johnatan Reiss , Gabby Sobelman , Liam Stack and Abu Bakr Bashir .

Matthew Mpoke Bigg is a correspondent covering international news. He previously worked as a reporter, editor and bureau chief for Reuters and did postings in Nairobi, Abidjan, Atlanta, Jakarta and Accra. More about Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Michael Levenson joined The Times in December 2019. He was previously a reporter at The Boston Globe, where he covered local, state and national politics and news. More about Michael Levenson