Written by Joseph Farah
Translated and edited by Rabab Housseiny
NNA - Lebanon's merchants and tourism workforce are pinning high hopes on Christmas and New Year's to save what is left from these two ailing sectors, basically depending on Arab and foreign tourists during the festive season.
Right before the holidays, merchants have lowered their prices in an attempt to attract customers, thus money. For their part, tourism sector's executives have reduced hotel rooms' booking fees, in hopes of influx of Iraqi and Syrian tourists and even Lebanese working in the Gulf. Yet, all are pending the headway of the security and political situation in the country, before dashing to broker New Year's parties in restaurants.
And, noticeably for the first time ever, Gulf people won't be here, after their authorities have issued travel warrants to Lebanon.
The chairman of Marine Tourist Operations, Jean Beiruti, told the National News Agency he hoped a new government would be soon formed so that the security and political tension should be assuaged. Nevertheless, when it is reality versus wishes, never the twain shall meet!
Head of the hotel owners association Pierre Ashkar, for his part, maintained that tourists would not come to Lebanon if the political and security situation remained rickety and wobbly, despite the lower-price offers and packages.
"The mere solution to our crisis resides in assuring stability," he said, clarifying that the hotel occupancy ratio was now between 35 and 45% in Beirut, and between 5 and 7% outside the capital.
In turn, the Secretary General of the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants in Lebanon, Tony Ramy, did not wish to forecast any indicator. "New Year's eve is no more the priority of citizens," he said.
He also revealed that the majority of restaurants did not receive any reservation to celebrate the advent of 2014 as yet.
To Nicolas Chammas, Head of Beirut Merchants Association, the festive season may be the trade sector's catch-up chance after tremendous losses since the summer of 2012.
In spite of everything, the Lebanese, fanciers of partying, will not change their habit, even if they have to tighten their fist. After all, there is still hope for a more nascent future!
===============R.A.H.
