Diaspora Tourism in Lebanon: A Strategy to Maintain Tourism Efficiency during Crises (Published)
Tourism constitutes a major activity in the Lebanese economic system. Being by its nature a fragile sector, tourism is severely affected each time Lebanon is facing a crisis. The last one was a multidimensional crisis that derived from the geopolitical turnarounds in the Middle East region, particularly the war in Syria. Yet, tourist arrivals to Lebanon have not dip as expected, on the contrary they are increasing steadily. This is due to the surge of diaspora tourism where reconnection with ancestral homelands and solidarity with their nationals prevails over other considerations. This article studies the rise of diaspora tourism in Lebanon during the period 2014 – 2017. It relies on the survey method to set a profile for Lebanese diaspora tourists and highlight the importance of resorting to diaspora tourism during crisis.
Keywords: Diaspora Tourism, Homeland., Lebanon, crises, descendants
The Effect of Syrian War on French People’s Decision to Travel to Lebanon: Remedy through Branding (Published)
The aim of this study was to find out the effects of War in Syria on the decision of French people to travel to Lebanon. Based on a survey, the study findings showed that people in France are aware of the Syrian War as well as the subsequent occurring refugee crisis. The war and refugee crisis are highly affecting their decisions to travel not only to Lebanon but also to other Middle East countries such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan. Demographic characteristics of the people play as well an imperative role on their decisions to travel to Lebanon. Branding Lebanon as a tourist destination based on the attributes that influence French travellers can be a fundamental part of the remedy
Keywords: Destination Branding, French Tourists, Lebanon, Refugee, Syrian War, Tourism, Tourist decision., crises
Survey Techniques to Highlight Hidden Tourism Attractions in Lebanon (Published)
Tourism Survey techniques to highlight the hidden tourism attractions in Lebanon is the aim of this work. A questionnaire has been designed in order to get the necessary data and accurate and detailed information about the touristic site or touristic village, tourist facilities and the services capability and manpower. All sources related to tourism sites in Lebanon have been studied. Information has been gathered from field interviews and direct contact with the local people, pictures and drawing detailed maps. We also build a database for each village that includes touristic sites. Our main work is to highlight the hidden touristic areas and benefit and preserve their natural, archaeological and historical resources. A map will be developed for each village. All gathered information and analysed data will be stored in a database and CD/DVD to be presented in tourism organization and travel agencies. Also, all data have been prepared to be published on a website.
Keywords: Attractions, Hidden, Highlight, Lebanon, Questionnaire, Survey, Tourist