National Geographic (NatGeo) has included Lebanon in its 2020 Traveller’s Cool List as one of the 20 most interesting destinations.

Lebanon is the third in the list following Namibia and Baja (California). “Lebanon is back on the travel map, and its improved safety credentials are the catalyst,” said NatGeo.

“The Foreign and Commonwealth Office lifted restrictions on travel to the country last year and UK travel companies are returning in droves,” it said.

This insures that the country conserves its place as a touristic destination, according to Wadih Kanaan, Head of the Tourism Committee at the Economic and Social Council. “Including the country in such lists will encourage foreign investments in the tourism infrastructure,” he said.

YellowWood Adventures, Cox & Kings, Explore, and Undiscovered Destinations, are among the companies launching into or returning to Lebanon this year. ‘Travel the Unknown’ has tripled itineraries to include specialist tours to lesser-known sights.

NatGeo mentioned the Bekaa Valley, as ‘home to a booming viticulture scene’, and Beirut capital as a ‘creative and culinary scene that blossoms apace’.

According to Kanaan, new visitors from Europe and other continents will have interest to visit the country. European tourists represent 37 percent of all visitors, amounted to 720,421 last year.

NatGeo previously ranked the Nejmeh Square festivities among the top ten New Year’s Eve 2019 parties around the world. It also included Lebanon on its list of the best summer trips in 2018, particularly due to its food and beverage offerings.

Reported by Gisele Khalaf

Source: http://www.businessnews.com.lb/cms/Story/StoryDetails.aspx?ItemID=7442

To check the Cool List: https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2020/01/cool-list-celebrating-reasons-travel-2020