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| Ministry of Tourism (Lebanon) | |
|---|---|
| Agency name | Ministry of Tourism (Lebanon) |
| Native name | وزارة السياحة |
| Formed | 1948 |
| Jurisdiction | Lebanon |
| Headquarters | Beirut |
| Minister | Suhail Suleiman (fictional) |
Ministry of Tourism (Lebanon) is the cabinet-level institution in Lebanon responsible for promoting tourism and developing the hospitality sector across Lebanese regions such as Beirut, Mount Lebanon Governorate, North Governorate, and South Governorate. The ministry's mandate intersects with national agencies and institutions including the Council of Ministers (Lebanon), the Central Bank of Lebanon, and regional authorities like the Greater Beirut Municipality. It engages with international organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the European Union, and the World Bank to attract investment and coordinate post-conflict recovery.
The ministry traces institutional roots to the post-French Mandate for Lebanon period and the establishment of Lebanese state institutions after independence in 1943, with formal ministry formation in the late 1940s during the presidency of Bechara El Khoury and the premiership of Riad Al Solh. During the Lebanese Civil War, administrative functions were disrupted amid events such as the Battle of the Hotels and the Sabra and Shatila massacre, affecting heritage sites like Baalbek and Byblos. Post-war reconstruction under presidents like Émile Lahoud and Michel Suleiman involved coordination with the United Nations Development Programme and donors including the European Investment Bank to rehabilitate sites such as the National Museum of Beirut and the Jeita Grotto. Recent crises, including the 2020 Beirut explosion and the 2020–2021 Lebanese protests, prompted policy shifts toward resilient tourism and recovery planning with input from the International Monetary Fund and World Tourism Organization missions.
The ministry oversees regulation, promotion, and preservation of cultural and natural attractions including Baalbek Roman ruins, Tyre (Lebanon), Sidon Sea Castle, and Qadisha Valley. It issues licenses for hotels and guesthouses registered with the Lebanese Hotels Association and coordinates standards aligned with international bodies like the International Organization for Standardization and the World Travel & Tourism Council. The ministry manages heritage protection in collaboration with the Directorate General of Antiquities (Lebanon) and cultural programs connected to institutions such as the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese University. It also liaises with transport entities such as Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, rail proposals like the Lebanese Railway revival plans, and port authorities including the Port of Beirut.
The ministry is organized into directorates and departments comparable to structures in counterparts like the Ministry of Culture (France) and the Ministry of Tourism (Spain). Key units include a Directorate of Promotion, Directorate of Heritage and Antiquities (in coordination with the Directorate General of Antiquities (Lebanon)), Directorate of Hotels and Establishments, and a Legal Affairs Office that interacts with the Parliament of Lebanon and the Ministry of Finance (Lebanon). Regional offices operate within governorates such as Aakkar District and Keserwan District to support local initiatives alongside municipal partners like the Tripoli Municipality and the Sidon Municipality.
Leadership has historically included figures appointed under presidents including Camille Chamoun, Fuad Chehab, Rashid Karami, and contemporary cabinets formed by prime ministers such as Najib Mikati and Saad Hariri. Notable ministers in tourism or related portfolios have worked with stakeholders like the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture and international partners such as the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The ministerial office coordinates with permanent secretaries, advisors on cultural heritage, and directors general who engage with donors including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Policy priorities include sustainable tourism strategies referencing models from the World Tourism Organization and recovery frameworks used by countries impacted by conflict such as Bosnia and Herzegovina. Programs target diversification across niches like culinary tourism tied to Lebanese cuisine and wine routes in Bekaa Valley, religious pilgrimage circuits involving Qadisha Valley and Our Lady of Lebanon, and eco-tourism in sites like the Chouf Cedar Reserve. Initiatives encompass certification schemes, capacity-building with universities such as the Saint Joseph University and vocational training in partnership with the International Labour Organization. Crisis-response policies have addressed issues arising from the Syrian refugee crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon with tourism recovery plans coordinated with the World Health Organization and donor missions.
Infrastructure projects have included restoration of heritage in Byblos Castle and investment in hospitality around Jounieh Bay and Zahle. The ministry has engaged with multilateral lenders including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank on projects for roads, signage, and visitor centers near Baalbek, Tyre Hippodrome, and the Jeita Grotto. Partnership with private developers and entities such as the Lebanese Export and Tourism Development Company aims to expand hotel capacity linked to major events like the Beirut International Marathon and fairs at venues such as the Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center.
Promotion efforts target source markets including France, United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and regional partners like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. The ministry collaborates with international organizations including the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the World Tourism Organization, the European Union External Action Service, and bilateral agencies such as USAID and the French Development Agency. Participation in trade shows like ITB Berlin, WTM London, and regional exhibitions alongside national carriers such as Middle East Airlines supports marketing campaigns and diaspora engagement with cultural institutions like the Phoenicianism-related museums.
Category:Government ministries of Lebanon Category:Tourism in Lebanon