The economic impact valuation of outdoor activity tourism in Lebanon

As part of a wider increase in demand for experiences and lifestyle-orientated holidays, as well as growth in domestic tourism, an increase in the numbers of outdoor activity tourists has been noted in recent years. This has led many within the sector to claim that activity tourism is undervalued and should receive greater support. In response to these claims, Wildlife Adventures provide an understanding of the direct and indirect economic impact of the outdoor activity tourism in Lebanon.

Therefore, outdoor activities were defined as typically adventurous and adrenaline activities requiring some amount of trip. Key findings Attitudes towards outdoor activities in Lebanon are generally very positive, with many regarding it as a top destination for outdoor adventure experiences.

Relatively strong recent business performance within the sector was attributed by providers to an increase in domestic tourism, a growing outdoor activity market as an outdoor destination, as well as individual business expansion. Growing competition between increasing numbers of providers and access restrictions were thought to constrain further growth within the sector. Increasing operational costs, a deficiency in qualified staff and poor marketing were also identified as barriers to development of outdoor activities in Lebanon.

A previous study of adventure tourists found they often use social media blogs and networks including Facebook and Twitter to source information. Thus, social media channels were considered to be a good resource for targeting activity tourists. It should be noted that using existing groups, such as social media users in this case, has the potential for self-selection bias.

However, the number of outdoor activity tourists and profitability of the sector are highly influenced by changes in the national economic climate and trends in domestic tourism. The economic impact of the outdoor activity tourism industry in Lebanon accounts for a large proportion of the tourism economy’s output:

1. Supports a significant number of jobs: As such, the outdoor activity tourism market is very important for the Lebanese economy as it supports a significant number of jobs in the labor market.

2. Visitor destination: As it lies in its natural environment and the resultant potential for engaging in outdoor activities using the high quality of providers.

It is clear that outdoor activity tourism is currently an important sector for the economy and will continue to grow in importance as the outdoor activity sector grows and this is where Wildlife Adventures saw the light.

Frederic M. Irmo.