Arab tourists accounted for 54 percent of visitors , the ministry said.

Last month Minister of Tourism Elie Marouni said Lebanon should expect more than 200 thousand Chinese tourists next summer

Hotels are mostly booked in Beirut and some villages for Christmas holidays and New Years Eve.

In 2004 , during the Syrian occupation the Syrian president Bashar al Assad forced the Lebanese parliament to renew the term of former president Emile Lahoud for 3 more years. Many politicians opposed the move, but Lahoud's term was renewed. One of the parliament members that strongly opposed the renewal was Marwan Hamaded who miraculously survived an assassination attempt. Syria was accused of being behind his attempted assassination

In 2005 former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri's was assassinated and this resulted in a major drop in the number of tourists. Hariri's murder was followed by a string of political assassinations targeting anti-Syrian politicians and journalists

In 2006, Israel and Hezbollah a Shiite militia fought for 34 days, between July and August , which is peak period for the tourism season in Lebanon . 2 million tourists were expected that year but those who showed up had to flee the war devastation

In 2007 the Lebanese army battled the Fatah al Islam terrorists for 106 days ..again this took place during the tourism season between May and September

Early this year The Iranian and Syrian backed Hezbollah led opposition tried to occupy Beirut and the mountains of Lebanon . This prompted the settlement in Qatar known as the Doha Accord, which brought stability to the country

Lebanon has always been known for being a unique destination for tourists. Strategically located with a coast line of 225km along the Mediterranean Sea... it is the link between Asia, Africa and Europe. Its archeological sites range from Stone age ruins to Roman Temples ... from Crusaders Castles to Mumluk mosques. In addition, it is blessed with an ideal climate with 4 distinct seasons . With a mountain range that stretches from the north to the south and running parallel to the sea tourists during several months of the year can ski and swim within one hour. Some mountain tops are as high as 3080 meters ( over 10000 ft) above sea level. Add to this the fact that the Lebanese are well educated , speak several languages and are tourist friendly.

While the real estate market is suffering globally , in Lebanon prices of real estate are at all time high . The demand has skyrocketed since the Doha accord . Prices in certain districts of Beirut have tripled within one year and the prices are still rising . Real estate expert are of the opinion that the prices of real estate in Lebanon could double again next summer due to the high demand by Arab nationals and Lebanese expatriates

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