Business leaders divided over NYE impact amid Lebanon economic crisis

Business leaders divided over NYE impact amid Lebanon economic crisis

As New Year's Eve celebrations approach, the Lebanese business community is divided about what impact it may have on their fortunes following a disastrous year.

Expectations within the Lebanese tourism sector vary between the pessimism of hoteliers and the optimism of restaurants and nightclubs owners, according to sources approached by Arabian Business.

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Hotel bookings have improved only slightly, while reservations are almost full at restaurants and nightclubs, just days before the end-of-year celebrations.

"The hotel sector's expectations for the holidays were negative, but we were governed by hope," Pierre Achkar, the president of the Syndicate of Hotels Owners in Lebanon, told Arabian Business.

He added: "Lebanese expatriates coming during Christmas and New Year's holidays, most of them from Africa and the Gulf and a few from Europe, do not stay in hotels but have private homes or live with their families."

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced that the number of visitors to Lebanon during December via Beirut International Airport increased to 8,000 daily, compared to 3,000 in previous months, with Lebanese expatriates making up the majority.

Pierre Achkar, the president of the Syndicate of Hotels Owners in Lebanon

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