travel news review


24 May '99
Flights between Beirut and Tehran have resumed after an absence of 20 years caused by the Iranian revolution and the Lebanese civil war. Middle East Airlines have scheduled two flights a week between the cities, on Mondays and Fridays.

19 February '99
A record 632,217 tourists travelled to Lebanon last year, the highest number of tourist arrivals in the country since the end of the civil war in 1992. As the civil war in Lebanon left huge amounts of damage and much still is in need of restoration, the rising numbers of tourists to the country is very encouraging for tourism authorities. Most tourists to Lebanon are from other Middle East countries and Europe. While the overall number of tourists to Lebanon increased, it seems they are not so keen on the historic sites at Baalbek, Byblos and Sidon where the numbers of visitors dropped more than 10% in 1998.

1 February '99
Snowstorms across much of Lebanon last week forced the closure of many mountain roads. The areas of Hermel, around Cedars and Ehden have all been affected by heavy snowfalls. While most services and roads are back to normal, chains will still be needed on snow-covered roads.

13 January '99
Ski resorts in Lebanon have reported good snowfalls for this year's ski season, and most ski resorts are now fully operational. All slopes at the Cedars in north Lebanon are open, with half metre (1.6ft) snowfalls. At Faraya-Mzaar, one of the most popular resorts, nearly all the runs are open. More good snowfalls are expected this week and resorts are hopeful all their slopes will be open shortly.

23 December '98
Travellers are advised to defer all travel to all Middle East and Gulf countries following military strikes against Iraq. Travellers in Egypt are advised to register at their embassy and to follow local advice. Up to date advice is available on consular web sites.

12 October '98
A new bus service has commenced in the Bekka Valley, the first time public transport has been available in this part of Lebanon since nationwide bus services were shut down during the war. The service will operate between Rashaya in the south and Hermel, the northernmost town in the Bekaa. The 25 buses began service on 1 October, and run to several towns that are of interest to travellers, including Baalbek and Zahle. Most Lebanese and travellers rely on taxis and service taxis to get around the majority of the country, as until now only Beirut had government-run bus services.

1 September '98
Archaeologists working in Akkar (near Tripoli in northern Lebanon) have discovered an ancient burial ground. The burial ground is believed to date back to between 1700BC and 2700BC. Archaeologists have been working on the site at Akkar for many years and this is one of the most significant discoveries they have made. While today Akkar appears to be a fairly ordinary town, it was once home to many ancient civilizations and was conquered and lost by Egyptians, Canaanites, Fatimids, Crusaders and Phoenicians.

15 June '98
According to the Lebanese Ministry of tourism, the number of visitors to the country in the first four months of this year increased 9.89% against the same period of 1997. Tourists from other Arab countries represented 36% of visitors, followed by visitors from Europe, who accounted for 35% of arrivals. Tourism officials expect tourism to pick up by more than 25% during the summer season this year.

3 May '98
Beirut visitors tired of taxi tussles will be pleased to hear that cabs between the airport and the city are now metered. The fare for the most lucrative 6km (3.7mi) trip between the city and the airport is now set at LL38,000 (US$25.00). Despite the introduction of the metered taxis, many non-metered taxis, offering the traveller a fare much lower than the official LL38,000, can still be found touting for business at the airport. Airport taxis are the only metered taxis in Lebanon.

29 April '98
The United States Department of State continues to warn all US citizens of the dangers of travel to Lebanon. As Americans have previously been targets of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, the Embassy advises travellers and visitors to Lebanon to take extra security precautions. The US Embassy in Beirut does not perform routine consular functions because of limited staff and the local security situation, but it specially advises against travel in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Biqa' Valley, and southern Lebanon.

22 April '98
Drinkers in Lebanon are passing up the national drink, arak, in favour of cheaper wine and imported spirits. Arak, made from grapes and anise, is mixed with water and ice, much like French Pernod or Greek Ouzo. It has long been Lebanon's national drink. But with the cost of a 700ml bottle (less than a quart) costing about US$17 and a bottle of Johnny Walker costing US$12.50, many Lebanese are choosing whiskey, all the way from Scotland, over the local product.

1 April '98
Passengers at Beirut International Airport can now board their planes directly from one of 12 boarding gates following a major refurbishment of the airport. Previously all passengers were required to board airport buses which were driven across the tarmac to waiting aircraft. The refurbishment includes new duty free shops. The airport is one of the few places in Beirut that is smoke-free.