Syrian displaced positively influence Lebanon’s tourism

The growing movement of Syrian displaced had a positive influence on Lebanon, particularly on hotels’ reservations and rents in Beirut.        
When asked about the tourism in Hamra Street and the nationality of tourists, a “money changer” told LBCI that some of the Lebanese people who live abroad bring with them European currency. He added that this week witnessed an active movement of Syrians, stressing that the Syrian Pound is maintaining its stability despite the crisis in the country.           

LBCI tried to find an accurate number of the Syrian citizens who came to Beirut after last week’s events in Syria and can afford to stay in the capital. According to the head of the Lebanese Hotel Owners' Association, Pierre Ashkar, the existing numbers do not show exactly how many Syrian refugees came to Lebanon, as most of last weeks’ incomers stayed for few days in hotels then went to rent furnished apartments or returned to Damascus after the situation calmed.             

Those Syrian nationals refuse to speak to the camera and claim that they came to Lebanon just to spend the holidays.