Tourism’s dark side

A proud tradition Lebanon’s adult entertainment industry/sex trade is worth an estimated $140 million (although this figure could be much higher), and employs over 4,000 people. Lebanon has always worn a patina of sin, one that represents a not insignificant portion (7%) of the tourist industry, around even though the ministry might prefer to focus on Lebanon’s more family-oriented attractions. Though hardly transparent, the market can be characterized as highly diversified, as it encompasses everything from the Super Nightclubs of Maameltein, with their bevies of Eastern European hostesses, the new wave of massage parlors (or anti-stress clinics), and the red light bars for the less well-heeled customers. There is also a thriving local and regional market for Lebanese “escorts,” and models. And then there are, of course the freelancers, the women (and men) who work the hotels, cafés and sidewalks, practicing the oldest profession in the world. The law Contrary