The U.S. is deterring at least some Middle Easterners from traveling here because of security checks at airports. As a result, many are staying in their homeland and — believe it or not — Beirut has become a vacation hotspot.
“After the 11th of September, everything changed,” Pierre G. Achkar, president of the Lebanese Hotel Association, said. He and others say this beautiful but battered country, not long ago the stomping grounds of hijackers, kidnappers and suicide bombers, has turned into the destination of choice for wealthy families from Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf emirates, bringing in billions of dollars.
After 9/11, Lebanese officials and Arab visitors here say, many wealthy Saudis and gulf Arabs no longer felt welcome on their customary trips to Europe and the United States because of harsh questioning at airports and suspicion on the streets. Further, many worry about political unrest and attacks inspired by Al Qaeda in their own countries and see second homes here as a possible refuge.
“I used to go to the U.S. a lot, but after 9/11, no,” said Alsamawal Joharji, a 34-year old Saudi who studied at a technical school in Denver and loved the nearby skiing. “The visa was a nightmare. They ask so many questions, I feel like everybody’s under investigation.”
Apparently a burqa-free zone.
