A strategy, please

Lebanon’s tourism stakeholders have learned the hard way that an over-reliance on one type or one nationality of tourists is akin to shooting yourself in the foot. One need only take a look at cities such as Bhamdoun or Aley – and even Beirut, to some extent, which saw a drastic drop in footfall once tourists from the Arab Gulf decreased their visits to Lebanon – to see the dangers of putting all our touristic eggs into one basket. As such, private sector investors and civil society groups began developing elements of tourism that would rely more on local demand: one can see signs of these elements through the positive initiatives currently spearheaded by local municipalities across the country. From restaurants and guesthouses opening in rural areas, to wellness retreats and environmental activities, locals and expats have a lot to discover right in their own country. But despite the flurry