Eyes on new destinations
Demand in destinations like Batroun, Tripoli, Tyre and Shouf is growing tremendously. Investors are responding to this growth and are expanding to these new hubs. Others have their eyes on these regions as they still have room for growth.
BOOMING BATROUN
One of the main areas that is becoming a touristic hub is Batroun and its nearby villages. “Demand is thriving from foreign tourists,” said , Chairman of the Syndicate of Touristic Guides. This is due to the variety of offerings Batroun is providing, including archeological and religious sites, such as the Phoenician Wall and old churches. Tourists heading to Batroun are taking advantage of its nearby villages, which host around ten wineries including Ixsir, Atibaia, Aurora, Clos du Phoenix and others. “We are receiving hundreds of requests for tours to Jrebta, Rachana, Kfifan,, Managing Partner of Venture Group, a hospitality development company. Apartment owners have benefited from this demand and listed them on Airbnb, an online marketplace that connects travelers with local property owners. Last summer, opened Sea View boutique hotel, which offers 28 rooms. “Occupancy rates exceeded 35 percent, although the hotel just opened last summer in Batroun,” Abi Karam said. “We received European and American guests, and we expect promising performance this year,” he said. Batroun has also become a home for many year-round, familyrun restaurants that serve fresh fish, as well as nightclubs and beach bars. The Colonel Beer Microbrewery has contributed in making Batroun a destination. “We receive thousands of visitors every year,” said , Founder of Colonel Beer. The microbrewery registered a 20 percent growth in turnover last year compared to 2017. “We expect more growth this year after launching the vodka and gin brands,” Haddad said. Half of the visitors to the Colonel Microbrewery are foreigners. Even big restaurant chains such as Crepaway, Classic Burger Joint, and Starbucks have seen potential in Batroun. Others, such as Roadster, are planning to open soon. “There is potential for more investments in hotels and restaurants,” said Haddad.
