Tourists visit Lebanon despite instability

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- The number of tourists visiting Lebanon increased in July compared to the month before despite political instability and volatile security conditions.

A monthly report by the Ministry of Tourism said Tuesday that some 188,465 tourists entered Lebanon in July, up 42,000 from June.

Among the visitors, 84,320 were Arabs, including 29,499 tourists from Saudi Arabia.

Lebanon has always been a favorite destination for Arab Gulf nationals, many of whom own houses and properties there.

The Feb. 14 assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the ensuing bombings and assassinations of journalists and politicians scared away many Arab tourists this summer.