Lebanon’s tourism and travel industry is facing a dramatic downturn, with travel activity to and from the country has reached unprecedented lows.

Jean Abboud, head of the Syndicate of Tourism and Travel Agencies, painted a bleak picture in a recent statement, describing the current situation as “extremely limited."

According to the National News Agency, Abboud highlighted the industry’s heavy reliance on holiday-season bookings, traditionally a lifeline for the sector. However, he cautioned that “there seems to be no hope of that happening so far,” reflecting widespread pessimism among travel operators.  

The collapse in airline services has further exacerbated the crisis as Abboud revealed that Beirut Airport, which previously welcomed between 55 and 60 airlines, is now served by only one carrier. Even Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanon’s national airline, has seen a sharp decline in passenger numbers. While MEA flights arriving from abroad report occupancy rates of 80 to 90 percent, Abboud noted that these figures amount to just 20 percent of pre-crisis levels for this time of year.  

“The market has declined significantly,” Abboud stressed, pointing to the sharp drop in both incoming and outgoing flights, driven by the reduced number of airlines operating in the country.  

The challenges have devastated Lebanon’s tourism and travel sector, which is grappling with near-total stagnation. Abboud disclosed that the industry’s overall activity has fallen by 80 percent compared to previous years, calling it a historic low for a sector that once played a crucial role in Lebanon’s economy.