Lahoud Launches Digital Platform and Database for Smart Tourism

Minister of Tourism Laura Lahoud emphasized that "the transition towards smart tourism and strengthening integration among various relevant sectors represent the fundamental pillar for developing the tourism sector and providing a unique and sustainable tourist experience for visitors."

During her participation in the "Experya" exhibition, she clarified that "the concept of 'smart tourism' is based on harnessing technology to improve all stages of the tourist journey for visitors, private institutions, and the public sector alike. She revealed the introduction of substantial administrative reforms within the ministry, led by the launch of a new digital platform for licensing and administrative services to enhance transparency, efficiency, and the monitoring and analysis of obstacles. This includes the creation of the first complete digital online database for all licensed tourism establishments, geographically mapped on the national map, stressing the importance of accurate data."

Lahoud also recalled that "the ministry launched the smart application (Lebanese Ministry of Tourism) to provide customized travel programs and instant recommendations according to the visitor's interests and budget," confirming that "AI tools enable tourism establishments to predict occupancy rates and inventory needs, and analyze customer reviews to identify and address shortcomings." She added that what solidifies destinations in visitors' memories are emotions and human connection, along with understanding the nature of local life, affirming "the ministry's commitment to supporting regions in aggregating components into accessible and achievable experiential products."

She indicated that "this seminar forms a living model of the integrated 'tourism ecosystem,' where responsible media plays a pivotal role, in addition to the importance of hospitality networks and the private sector in raising standards and exchanging expertise, alongside the significance of the personal touch that gives each experience a different flavor." She considered that "tourism experiences cannot be designed within a single ministry alone; lasting value emerges when all sectors integrate and support one another, so that tourism leads to the development of capabilities and potentials that continue even after the visitor departs."