Lebanon plans exit tax on travellers

Dubai: Lebanon will levy a $3 (Dh11) exit tax on travellers to raise $15 million in a bid to boost tourism revenues, Fadi Aboud, the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, told Gulf News.

Tourism, which currently contributes 22 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), may drop this year, he said, amid concerns that Osama Bin Laden's death may lead to a backlash from terrorist groups in the region.

The current tourism promotion budget is $1.3 million. "It's embarrassing compared to other Arab countries," he added.

Lebanon suffered a 14 per cent decline in tourism in the first quarter of this year compared to 2009, he said during a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market.

The tourism minister will call for a meeting between his Arab counterparts to discuss ways to promote the region during the tumult of revolutions and following the death of Bin Laden.

"Western media are advising people not to come to the Middle East because of any backlash. All Arab countries have to promote the region and dispel the illusions of the Western media," he said.

"We want a meeting with the Arab ministers of tourism to find clever ways of advertising, not just to quell fears."

In its efforts to promote tourism, Lebanon is offering reduced rates to attract bargain hunters — a new strategic market for the country, he said.

"We are not happy with the image that Lebanon is only for the very wealthy."

Lebanon is also continuing efforts to liaise with Syria, Jordan and Turkey for the "Sham-gen," a single visa system similar to the Schengen in Europe, that allows visitors to the Sham [Levant area] to travel to all the member countries on one visa.

The intention is to reduce beaurocracy and administrative routine in visa processing.

"In the second quarter I expect the numbers to be as good as last year and improving. Lebanon is the safest place in the Levant," he said.

Asked if the unrest in countries like Egypt and Tunisia has benefited tourism to Lebanon, he said, "Lebanon has relative political stability and security. We don't want Lebanon to take over Egypt, Syria and Tunisia [share] but security is good. We expect a good summer."