The conference “Towards Sustainable Tourism” was inaugurated this morning at Seaside Arena, organized by the Economic and Social Council, under the patronage of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, and in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and tourism unions, with support from the EU-funded Social Dialogue Programme in Lebanon.
The event was attended by several officials including Minister of Tourism Avedis Guidanian (representing the Prime Minister), Minister of Telecommunications Mohammad Choucair, Minister of Information Jamal Al Jarrah, MPs, diplomats, the Mayor of Beirut, and a wide group of tourism and business stakeholders.
He emphasized strong cooperation between the public and private sectors to achieve sustainable tourism. He highlighted that Lebanon’s tourism sector is a key pillar for economic recovery according to the McKinsey study, and stressed the need for a strategic, data-driven approach to tourism development.
He confirmed the private sector’s readiness to strengthen partnership with the government. He stressed that tourism is essential for Lebanon’s economic recovery, noting that restoring pre-crisis tourism revenues (around $4 billion annually) could significantly transform the economy.
He also emphasized the importance of attracting Gulf tourists and building a modern, sustainable tourism model, reaffirming that Lebanon remains a destination with strong tourism potential.
She highlighted that tourism is a major driver of growth in Lebanon and can help develop rural areas and reduce regional disparities.
She stressed the importance of infrastructure, transport, environmental protection, safety, and service quality. She also called for better coordination among ministries and the establishment of a tourism authority to ensure sustainable development.
Charles Arbid stated that tourism is highly sensitive to a country’s reputation and security environment.
He stressed the need to:
He underlined that there is no sustainable tourism without political stability, clean environment, accountability, and genuine reform.
He concluded that Lebanon can move from a cycle of crisis to a positive economic dynamic if these conditions are met.
He called for unified policies between the government and private sector, stressing that tourism must be treated as a core economic driver.
He emphasized that success and failure must be shared collectively and called for coordination in policy and implementation.
He said the conference aims to create a roadmap for sustainable tourism, but stressed the need to honestly assess whether Lebanon currently has a safe and stable tourism environment.
He concluded that achieving sustainable tourism requires a national decision and collective commitment, stating that Lebanon must choose to be a tourism country or not.
