Tourism to Lebanon is slowly coming back online, with most airlines resuming services in the coming weeks. 

After nearly four months, airlines have expressed confidence in returning to the Middle Eastern country and are even expecting a rush of tourists as the Christmas and New Year holiday season approaches.  

Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways resumed flights to Beirut last week, followed by Royal Jordanian. Emirates is set to restart its services to Lebanon on 31 December, while Etihad is expected to be back in Beirut next week. 

Of course, Lebanon’s very own Middle East Airlines is also available for booking, having maintained operations over the last few months. 

Travellers, particularly members of the diaspora, are keen to get over there and tourism operators are ready to welcome them on arrival. Despite airlines being back onboard, governments around the world are still advising their citizens to err on the side of caution for travel to Lebanon.

If you or a client are planning a trip to Lebanon, here are some activities and events that demonstrate just how open the country is and give you the confidence you need to visit.

Please also always follow the travel advice provided by the authorities.

Hit the slopes 

For a white Christmas, for a western country, visit Lebanon.

As a mountainous country with peaks of 10,000-feet, Lebanon is sometimes referred to as the ‘Switzerland of the East’ amongst avid skiers. 

The country’s snow season generally runs from mid-December to April, and the first flakes are expected anytime now. 

Lebanon has six ski resorts to choose from, with the largest and best being Mzaar – Kfardebien, according to Skiresort.info. 

Experience Christmas by the lake 

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In an annual tradition, Lebanon’s Bnachii Lake has transformed into a vibrant outdoor Christmas festival known as ‘Christmas by the Lake’. 

With the lake’s Christmas tree already up and shining bright, the festival will run throughout December and most of January. 

Visitors of all ages and religions are invited to experience the outdoor event which includes live music, giveaways, restaurants, cafes and of course, a visit from Santa. 

Check a trendy bar and viral restaurant in Beirut 

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It’s the capital of Lebanon. It’s the country’s largest city. And it’s almost one of the trendiest places in the Middle East. 

The city has always been one of the most metropolitan and diverse across the region and was once widely regarded as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’. 

Hoping to reclaim that prestigious title, Beirut entered its modern era over the last decade-or-so with the opening of edgy and creative dining spots that have become popular amongst locals, tourists and influencers. 

Among the newest and trendiest restaurants is Chop Suey Beirut which was described by digital creator @joytassidis as “amazing” and SUD RestoBar which he said was “the best fondue ever at the best price”.   

Be wowed by a natural wonder 

From ancient trees to deep valleys and mountainous terrains – Lebanon is a playground for those with an appreciation for outdoor beauty. 

Well worth a visit is Qannoubine, or the Valley of the Saints which is described as one of Lebanon’s most majestic heritage sites. Although the deep valley is generally covered by fog, it doesn’t hide the site’s jaw-dropping and extensive beauty. It’s a great place for hikers and those looking for epic social media photo opportunities. 

There’s also The Jaj Cedars Forest in Byblos which is one of the oldest known forests in the world. Nestled in the mountain of Jaj (standing 4,800-feet high), the cluster of cedar trees is believed to have been standing as far back as the 3^rd millennium BC and was mention in the Bible as the site providing wood for the construction of a Jehovah temple in Jerusalem. 

Say a prayer in an ancient church 

As the birthplace of Christianity, the Middle East is home to the oldest churches in the world – and the churches in Lebanon are a great representation of that history. 

Saint John-Marc Cathedral in Jbeil-Byblos was built in 1115AD as a Cathedral for Saint John the Baptist. However, in 1764, it was donated to the Lebanese Maronites who restored and re-dedicated it to St Jean Marc. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction in Lebanon and is still an active place of worship. 

There’s also the Greek Orthodox Church called Sayidat al-Bahr (Our Lady of the Seas) located in the city of Batroun in north Lebanon. The Church was built in the 19^th century and is surrounded by a courtyard that overlooks the sea. While popular amongst worshippers, the church is also well visited by Instagrammers because of its social media-worthy views.