Lebanon-tourism.

--Tourism Activity Rises 60.7 Percent in First Half of 2009

--MEA Increases Number of Flights; Air Traffic Surges at Beirut Airport

Lebanon's tourism sector witnessed a record growth rate of 60.7 percent during the first half of 2009 compared to the same period last year, as a total of 761,265 tourists visited Lebanon, according to the Ministry of Tourism, the leftist daily AS SAFIR reported Thursday. The parliamentary elections, which took place on June 7 did not hinder tourism activity in the month of June, which saw 191,691 tourists, a growth rate of 40.07 percent compared to June 2008.

Arab tourists in June 2009 reached 59,052 in number, a rise of 30.08 percent from June 2008, following a 100 percent growth rate in the first 5 months of 2009. Arab tourists in June 2009 constituted 31 percent of total tourists that month, while Jordanians accounted for 34 percent of total Arab tourists, followed by Kuwaitis and Iraqis. European tourists in June 2009 numbered 48,130, recording 25 percent of total tourists that month. French tourists accounted for 21 percent of total European tourists, reaching 10,107 in number, followed by German and Swedish tourists. American tourists recorded 43,492 in number in June 2009, according to AS SAFIR.

MEA 

Lebanon's national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) has increased the number of its daily flights to meet the surge in air travel demand in Rafic Hariri International Airport, the Beirut influential daily AN NAHAR reported Thursday. "There are crowds in the airport, but the airport can take it," said MEA's commercial director Nizar Khoury, adding that most of the crowding comes from the inflow of travelers to Lebanon. "The rate of arrivals to the airport in June and July 2009 through MEA increased by an average of 31 percent," while trade activity "increased 21 percent in 2009 compared to 2008, and airport activity grew 29 percent", Khoury said. Khoury noted that the tourism season plays a major role in feeding the economy in Lebanon, which expects to receive 2 million tourists this year.

The increase of traffic in the airport has led to various complaints by travelers on service and maintenance issues as well as a trolley shortage, according to AN NAHAR.