Light at the end of the tunnel?

It has been a long five years for Lebanon’s hotel industry, marked by an ever-dwindling tourism market. With the election of a president in October 2016, however, that period may soon be over. Just like one would get ready to meet a loved one after a long period apart, Lebanon’s hotel industry is getting ready for the return of tourists. The sense of excitement mixed with cautious anticipation that usually accompanies such reunions is palpable. After making do with mainly business travelers or local banquets, Beirut’s four and five star hotels can’t wait for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)nationals to once again fill their rooms. Yet, these hoteliers remain somewhat anxious. Not only has a lot changed in the past five years both domestically and regionally, but internal stability in Lebanon, as a result of regional insecurity, is still fragile and there is the sense that Lebanon’s hospitality sector won’t