Brand Lebanon

Lebanon is often praised for its religious and cultural coexistence, yet beneath this surface lies a harsh reality, racism and discrimination are deeply embedded in everyday life. 

While the Lebanese have historically been global travelers and merchants since the Phoenician era, their openness to others has remained selective. This paradox presents a major obstacle in Lebanon’s ambition to become a world-class tourism destination.

Racism in Everyday Lebanon: A Persistent Issue

Lebanon’s discriminatory tendencies are not just anecdotal, they are structural. Reports and personal experiences consistently reveal cases such as:

• People of color being denied access to pools, restaurants, and certain neighborhoods.
• Asian and Indian tourists receiving different treatment in luxury retail stores compared to Western visitors.
• Migrant workers facing exploitation and systemic abuse under the Kafala system.
• LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing discrimination in hotels, public spaces, and even legal persecution.

This exclusionary mindset does not only harm Lebanon’s social fabric, it actively discourages tourism, foreign investment, and economic growth.

Tourism Thrives on Openness: Lessons from the World

The most successful tourism hubs have built their reputations on inclusivity and hospitality. Consider:

• Dubai & UAE: Despite cultural conservatism, they have built a tolerant and welcoming environment for all nationalities and backgrounds, ensuring seamless luxury experiences for every traveler.
• Thailand: A tourism powerhouse that actively welcomes diversity, ensuring visitors feel accepted regardless of nationality, gender, or background.
• New York & London: These cities thrive on multiculturalism, promoting the idea that diversity is their greatest strength, making every tourist feel at home.

If Lebanon truly wants to position itself as a global tourism leader, it must fundamentally change its approach to diversity and acceptance.

What Needs to Change? A Roadmap to Inclusion

1. Implement Anti-Discrimination Laws

• Enforce laws that prohibit racial, religious, and gender-based discrimination in businesses, public spaces, and institutions.
• Implement penalties for exclusionary practices such as denying access to people of color or specific nationalities.
• Recognize LGBTQ+ rights to ensure that all travelers feel safe and respected.

2. Education & Awareness Campaigns

• Introduce anti-racism education in schools and universities to promote a culture of respect from a young age.
• Launch public awareness campaigns about the benefits of diversity in tourism and society.
• Train hospitality and retail staff on inclusive customer service to ensure that every visitor is treated equally.

3. Encourage Tourism Policies that Promote Inclusivity

• Incentivize businesses that actively promote inclusivity and diversity.
• Develop a national hospitality standard that ensures equal treatment for all tourists, regardless of race, gender, or background.
• Work with international organizations to certify Lebanon as an inclusive destination.

A Final Thought: Lebanon’s Future is Global, Not Exclusive

As Lebanese, we pride ourselves on our hospitality, but true hospitality does not discriminate. If we want to attract the world to Lebanon, we must open our arms to the world—not just parts of it.

As Maya Angelou once said, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.”

If Lebanon wants to redefine itself as a leading tourism destination, it must start not just by accepting others, but by celebrating them. Only then can we truly claim to be the welcoming nation we aspire to be.