Country of Alphabet, home of the Cedars where traditions and humanity are mingled in the spirit of the Lebanese people, Lebanon is the meeting place of beliefs, religions and culture.
The hospitable Lebanon, the mythological Lebanon, the archaeological Lebanon, Lebanon which origins go back to the beginning of history, is a small country of 10.452km2.
Lebanon is a country shaped by 10.000 years of history. The legacy of the past is clear from the variety of archaeological sites in every corner of the country. From Phoenician Sarcophagus, to Roman Temples, to Crusade Castles and Mamlouk Mosques, ever you go, evidence of the country’s rich and varied past comes to light. Cities like Byblos, Baalbeck and Tyre are treasure of human history and civilization.
The country’s archaeological past can be discovered in the National Museum with high lights including the sarcophagus of Ahiram, King of Byblos, which is inscribed with the earliest known example of the Phoenician alphabet.
Lebanese population is estimated at almost 4 millions. It is a young, dynamic and opened population with a high educational level.
The Lebanese emigrant’s number exceeds around 3 times the number of the Lebanese population. Lebanon’s tourism industry relies a lot on these emigrants who return regularly to the country especially during the summer season.
Perched on the Eastern Mediterranean, Lebanon stands at the cross-roads to three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. Lebanon is dominated by two mountain ranges on either side of the Bekaa Valley.
Lebanon’s fertile Bekaa Valley is its breadbasket, with vast agricultural land where varied fruits, vegetables, spices and other crops grow.
The slope of the terrain, its fertile soil and its climate, all make the Bekaa Valley an ideal place for grape cultivation and wine making. Vineyards cover a big dimension of the Valley known for its famous wineries like Ksara , Kefraya and Château Mausar etc…
The weather in Lebanon is fantastic, with a Mediterranean climate, providing cool, wet winters with heavy snow in the mountains, while hot summers provide ample opportunity to enjoy the country’s
many beaches. Lebanon benefits from over 300 days sunshine per year.
In March and April it is often possible to ski in the mountains in the morning and then to drive down to the beaches in the afternoon to bask in the sunshine.
Summer Season attracts a flow of Arab tourists coming to estivate in the mountains to enjoy their mild and cool climate .
Opportunities for outdoor activities abound in Lebanon. It usually takes a little more than an hour to reach the snow-covered mountains where ideal ski conditions are present on most days accompanied by bright sunny skies. The six ski stations in Lebanon are the Cedars, Faraya, Laqlouq, Faqra, Qanat Bakish and Zaarour. Most forms of water sports are also available . Scuba diving is an activity that is growing rapidly in Lebanon.
Lebanese cuisine is immensely popular and is surprising in its diversity. It is known above all for its mezze, countless dishes of savory hors-d’oeuvres that form the traditional starter to a meal.
Beirut, the Lady of the World, the City that wouldn’t die. The ancient city of the Future, Beirut the capital of Lebanon remains the most fascinating city in the Middle East and beyond.
Apart from its privileged geographical and natural situation, Lebanon benefits from qualifies and experienced human resources in the tourism industry.
Tourism is one of the major economic driver in Lebanon. Lebanese tourism is diverse in its offerings and attractions. Lebanon can offer various tourism products for the four seasons of the year. The Ministry of Tourism is encouraging the development of eco-tourism. From the white capped blue sea to the countryside, from arid hills to lush forests, the visitor discovers a series of contrasts. Bare rocky mountains are followed by luxuriant valleys watered by rivers and waterfalls. Views change quickly from pine covered hills to dramatic rocky landscapes, to fertile plains laid out with farms and vineyards.
From the Chouf region to the Bekaa Valley and the Cedar mountains, many different activities can be enjoyed such as hiking, mountain climbing, marchery, caving, biking, astronomy sessions, camping, canoeing down the Awwali River, rafting, kayaking, skiing and paragliding in the Cedars and many other activities.
The Ministry of Tourism is focusing on a new trend of Tourism, the Sustainable Tourism in order to promote economically and socially the different regions of Lebanon all year round. The hotel and restaurant sectors are growing to match the growth of tourism flow towards Lebanon.
Lebanon was once regarded as the “Paris of the Middle East”, nowadays, Lebanon is one of the most attractive destinations in the Middle East covering moderate climate, archaeological wealth, impressive nature and cultural and artistic activities that can offer distraction to all different kind of people, ages and families. |