News

Lebanon is attempting to defy the odds by attracting tourists and investment at the UK's 2006 World Travel market (WTM).

Just three months after a sustained Israeli bombing campaign left the country with a $15 billion repairs bill, the country is refusing to lie low and is working to attract visitors back.

Last year saw 1m foreign visitors take a vacation in Lebanon and tourism officials in the country are hopeful that they can reach somewhere near that figure in 2006.

This ambition is made clear by the fact that the country has set up a stall at the ExCel exhibition in London's Docklands.

"This shows that confidence in the home market remains high, encouraged in so many ways by the response here and elsewhere by tour operators and other travel interests," said Naima Kassir from Beirut-based airline Middle East Airlines.

"We know that Lebanon can yet again return to its rightful place as a Mediterranean tourist destination and this is very much the message that we will be putting out at World Travel Market."

Parts of Lebanon were left completely destroyed by the Israeli campaign, but officials in the country say tourist destinations were largely unaffected.

However, Amine Nasser from Saad Tours admits it will be difficult to convince many people that the region is safe.

© Adfero Ltd