“Historically, the tourism industry in Lebanon has been important to the local economy and to this day it constitutes a major source of revenue for the country. Before the Lebanese Civil War, Beirut was widely regarded as “The Pearl of the Middle East” and often cited as a financial and business hub where visitors could experience a unique Lebanese take on Levantine Mediterranean culture, cuisine, history, archaeology, and architecture.
From Stone Age settlements to Phoenician city-states, Roman temples, rock-cut hermitages, Crusader Castles, Mamluk mosques and Ottoman hammams, the country’s historical and archaeological sites are displayed all across the country, reflecting thousands of years of world history. In addition to physical attractions, Lebanon has a long-standing history of cultural tourism. International interest in Lebanese and Levantine culture largely developed following the visits of many European orientalists, scholars, and poets, particularly Alphonse de Lamartine, Ernest Renan, and Victor Guérin.
Lebanon’s diverse atmosphere and ancient history make it an important destination, and the country is slowly rebuilding itself after continued turmoil. Indeed, Lebanon has a lot to offer: from ancient Roman ruins, to well-preserved castles, limestone caves, historic Churches and Mosques, beautiful beaches nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, mountainous and sea resorts that offer world-renowned Lebanese cuisine and buzzing nightlife and cultural events.
Significant private investments are currently being made in the modernization and expansion of the tourism sector. The Government believes with the return of peace and stability in the country, and with the development of the necessary infrastructure, tourism will undoubtedly again contribute significantly to Lebanon’s economy”

In this studio, students are invited to do a global study of the major aspects of Tourism in Lebanon and to devise ways to raise the impact of this industry on the social and urban fabric in various locations.
Different questions can be addressed to highlight the major milestones of this research:
What is the role of architecture in this national drive and what is the vision that an architect can suggest to enhance the performance of this industry?
What is the new form of architecture experience than can generate a better social and business model?
What kind of architecture programs can raise the ranking of the tourism industry in Lebanon in relation to the local and regional market competition?
What are the best examples of architecture and urban projects that have positively affected the tourism industry in the region?