Hopes remain for tourism in Lebanon

TOUR operators to the Middle East are keeping an eye on the conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah before making a decision on the future of tours to the region.

Despite one operator saying it was not worth investing in Lebanon, others are hopeful tensions will die down and are advising customers due to travel later in the year to hold off cancelling.

Cox and Kings Middle East sales team leader Mark Stacey said Beirut had been developing as a destination before the crisis.

“We have been fortunate in that we do not have clients due to travel out to Lebanon until September,” he said.

Luxury cruiseline Silversea this week cancelled a scheduled visit to Beirut, the Lebanese port that has been bombed and blockaded by the Israelis.

UK vice-president sales and marketing Trudy Redfearn feared the violence will make people less comfortable about visiting the region.
The next scheduled visit by Silversea to Beirut is on September 16 while the Israeli port of Haifa has been included in 2007 itineraries, but the cruiseline has not yet made a decision about possible changes.

“Some people have booked on the basis that they are going to those ports but our priority has to be the safety of our passengers and crew,” she said.

Sunvil Holidays managing director Noel Josephides stopped actively promoting the region some years ago. “Until the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is sorted out, investment in the Middle East has got to be considered short term,” he said.

Crystal Ski remains hopeful of launching its new Lebanon programme this year. Product and marketing director Gareth Crump said: “There is a good product but at the moment it’s not appropriate to think about selling holidays there.”

Cyprus Tourist Office director Orestis Rossides said accommodation, mainly away from resorts, is being found for Britons evacuated to the island if they want to stay there rather than return to the UK.