JEDDAH – The overall spending by tourists to Lebanon increased by four percent in Q4 2013 when compared with the same period in 2012, reveals statistics by Global Blue, with Beirut attracting 81 percent of the total spend. The UAE travelers to Lebanon accounted for 15 percent of the total tourist expenditure in Q4 2013, according to Global Blue, followed by those from Saudi Arabia (12 percent), Egypt and Syria (eight percent each), Kuwait (seven percent) and Jordan (six percent). International tourists made their marks too, with France accounting for five percent of all tourist expenditure, followed by the US (three percent) and Nigeria (two percent). Hotel industry figures also reflect a surge in tourism business to Lebanon, with Beirut reporting the largest increase in occupancy rates in November 2013 when compared with November 2012, thus growing by 22.3 percent to 43.2 percent, according to STR Global. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the travel and tourism industry remains one of Lebanon's key economic drivers, with direct contribution to GDP reaching $41.3 billion (9.3 percent of GDP) in 2012 and rising by 1.8 percent to $42.1bn in 2013. The direct contribution of travel and tourism to Lebanon's GDP is expected to grow by 5.8 percent per annum, thereby amounting to $74bn (9.6 percent of GDP) by 2023. The annual Arabian Travel Market roadshow is arriving tomorrow (Tuesday, February 11) in Beirut, with key industry players gathering to discuss marketing opportunities to showcase Lebanon's tourism potential. The Arabian Travel Market 2014 will take place from May 5 to 8 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with an additional hall. Last year, it welcomed more than 21,000 visitors and participants from 165 countries. – SG
