Beirut resurrection woos tourists

Beirut riviera: On the Mediterranean's eastern shores

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNN) -- The once war-torn Lebanese capital of Beirut is enjoying a remarkable transformation with Western tourists rushing to its golf courses and sun-soaked beaches.

On buses and cruise ships, tourists from Europe and Russia are now travelling to the country, formerly nicknamed the Switzerland of the Middle East, bringing back to life its tourist attractions, casinos and nightclubs.

Many first-time visitors are surprised by the view from Mount Lebanon over the mosaic-like Lebanese coastline in a sea of blue and the city of Beirut, which has been rebuilt over the last decade and now offers bustling beaches instead of bombs.

One tourist said: "I expected to see an old war-torn city but I have seen a very beautiful place."

The number of Arab visitors, mainly from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and dual nationality Lebanese Americans or Lebanese Britons, is expected to double this year, attracted by wild beach parties and the mountain golf courses.

Cruise ships bring tourists to Lebanon on day trips from Cyprus

But no holiday is complete without a souvenir, and the ancient bazaar of Beirut has a lot to offer.

One of the shopkeepers, George, said: "We have belly dancing dresses, oriental robes, boxes, antiquities. You can find anything in Lebanon especially for tourists.

Officials plan to sell Lebanese tourism to a global market next year, mainly with further inroads into Europe and possibly the United States.

Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh said: "Tell people to come and see, and they'll see this country has sea, the sun, day life and nightlife."

According to a Lebanese saying seeing is believing, and despite the challenges to the tourism industry Lebanon is still hoping for a brighter future.