Travel
and Entertainment
Lebanon has been called many things such as the "Pearl of the Middle East" and the "Switzerland of the East." Everyone from the East and the West has enjoyed living here, because of the country's natural beauty, pleasant climate, rich culture, open social system, and active financial markets. All that was built after its independence in 1943 continued until the start of the civil war which began in mid 1975 and lasted for seventeen years. The war ended in the early 1990s and reconstruction began. In bringing down old buildings, the city's past was unveiled, particularly the Phoenician wall. Other projects that are being rebuilt are in the North, South, Mount Lebanon, and the Bekaa valley, including roads, highways, telecommunications, water, electricity, and the preservation of the environment.
Before the civil war erupted in 1975, domestic, foreign, and transit trade
(the re-export of products manufactured outside Lebanon but distributed
through it) stimulated prosperity; these forms of trade have begun to revive
since the war. Financial services such as banking, investment, and insurance—significant
before the war—have also begun a slow recovery. Tourists, who support an
industry of hotels, restaurants, casinos, and nightclubs, are attracted
to Lebanon’s scenery, climate, historical sites, and cultural activities.
Before 1975 an estimated 550,000 tourists visited Lebanon annually. In
1997, there were about 558,000 visitors, mostly from Europe, the Middle
East, and the Americas. In 1987 the United States government restricted
its citizens from entering Lebanon due to Islamic militant activity; the
United States lifted the travel ban in 1997 after the Lebanese government
pledged to boost efforts against terrorism. Superior educational and medical
facilities attract thousands of clients and also add an important service
element.
A
beautiful beach in Beirut
The marketplace in Tyre
Important Links Related To Travel and Entertainment
Baalbeck International Festival -famous music festival website.
Beiteddine
Festival -famous music festival website.
These websites contain information, downloads, and merchandise for Arabic and Lebanese music.
Arabic
Music - Part One -an in-depth history of Arabic music
These websites contain information, downloads, and merchandise for famous Lebanese singers
The Lebanese Ministry of Tourism -information from this department of the Lebanese government.
Ansar Sporting Club -sporting club located in Lebanon.
Casino Du Liban -huge website containing information about this entertainment complex.
Beirut International Airport -information about this Middle Eastern hub.
Lonely
Planet-Lebanon -website from the famous travel book publisher.
Contains information and maps about Lebanon.