War Undermines Tourism in South Lebanon, Tyre Stands Out

Tyre's beach on the opening day of the summer tourist season (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Beachgoers in Lebanon’s southern city of Tyre look up as Israeli fighter jets break the sound barrier and release flares while leaving Lebanese airspace. They start dancing to a Julia Boutros song, undeterred by the ongoing war since October 8.
Despite shelling just 10 kilometers away, they enjoy the sea and sun.
Meanwhile, resorts south of Tyre are empty, reflecting the decline in tourism in southern Lebanon due to the conflict.
Tyre’s municipality has set up beach tents to welcome visitors to its southern shore for the start of the summer tourist season.
Ali Badr al-Din, head of the Tyre Beach Reserve, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the season “started early this year as a clear message that Tyre will not bow to security threats.”
“We are continuing our summer tourism activities by opening the beach tent season and inviting people to enjoy one of the Mediterranean’s finest sandy beaches,” said Badr al-Din.
Thousands visited Tyre’s beach in the first week of the beach tents’ opening.
Amal Wazni, a tent owner, chose to keep her business running despite the risks of war in the south.
She told Asharq Al-Awsat she is optimistic about the tourist season, despite the dangers and sounds of shelling.
“Tyre is relatively safe and has not been directly targeted by Israeli strikes. Attacking the city would be costly for the enemy,” she said.
Tourists understand this. In nine months of conflict, Tyre hasn’t been hit, though its outskirts have been shelled four times.
However, the scene at Tyre’s beach does not represent the overall tourism situation in the south; rather, it starkly contrasts with it.
Despite the lively beach, tourist facilities like hotels, guesthouses, chalets, and resorts across the region are facing severe challenges. Owners are calling it a “disaster.”
Just 5 kilometers south of Tyre, a major tourist resort employs around 130 workers, supporting 70 families at least.
Despite its proximity, many usual guests have avoided visiting due to the ongoing war.
Bilal Jazini, the resort manager, told Asharq Al-Awsat that occupancy has dropped over 90%.
He pointed out that the war has had a significant impact on resorts from Tyre to Naqoura, leading many to decide against opening this season to avoid financial losses, given the high operational costs and minimal returns.