The political and security developments in Lebanon were negatively reflected on the tourism sector as rate of retreat of tourism in May 2007 in which battles erupted at Northern region reached 33.59% compared with same period last year.
Director General of Lebanese Ministry of Tourism Nada El-Serdok asserted that these figures came as a result of the prevailing situation in Lebanon, that were reflected by Arab and Foreign Space channels, as the picture reaches to Arab and Foreign watchers stereotyped and subsequently the tourists number is reduced.
She pointed out that the Ministry is working through the set plan despite of all developments. She confirmed that rate of tourists in year 2007 is still surpassing the number of tourists in 2005 and that retreat took place in year 2006 that was an excellent tourist year until the month of June that witnessed the Israeli allegations over Lebanese lands.
Mrs. Dok mentioned that the competent departments at the Ministry provide all facilities and procedures for all employees in the private tourism sector, in addition to giving licenses to those who deserve it as soon as possible away from the administrative routine.
The statistics issued by the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism mentioned that the last month of May witnessed the arrival of 28809 tourists from the Arab countries which forms 32% of total tourists coming to Lebanon, where 9229 were Jordanians who represent 32% of all Arab tourists, followed by 5870 Iraqis at a rate of 20% and Saudis 4143 tourists with a rate of 14% of total Arab tourists.
The official statistics added that European tourists numbered 19749, where the French counted 5543 on top of the list with a rate of 28% of European tourists, followed by Germans 2884 at a rate of 15%, while the British numbered 2035 with a rate of 10% of European tourists.
The Lebanese Director General of the Ministry of Tourism stated that the American tourism came in the 3rd position as they numbered 10959 tourists followed by tourists from Asia who totaled 6137 tourists.
