JEDDAH, 19 February 2005 — The assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri is having economic consequences for Lebanon, as safety fears discourage visits to what was again becoming a popular tourist destination.
In the aftermath of the terrorist bombing in Beirut that killed Hariri last Monday, many Saudis have canceled their travel plans to Lebanon.
The beachfront Beirut area, where Hariri was killed in a suspected car bombing, is a popular tourist resort frequented by Saudi visitors.
Many Saudis canceled their flight reservations to Beirut because of fears that violence might erupt in the country after the assassination. Some others, however, went to Beirut to attend Hariri’s funeral.
Muhammad Dour, manager of Al-Ahram travel agency, told Arab News that more than 20 Saudi passengers who had made reservations through the agency canceled them after the assassination. Cancellations like these are normal in such circumstances, he added.
“Lebanon is one of my favorite places to visit, and I was scheduled to travel there next week,” said S. Ahmad, who works in a private company.
“Now I have to delay my trip until things cool down. An incident of this magnitude is the last thing that Lebanon needs.”
The news footage of the blast site has special significance for Ahmad.
“During Eid Al-Adha two months ago, I spent my vacation in Lebanon, and I was spending most of my time at the place where Hariri was assassinated,” Ahmad said. “I canceled my vacation and delayed until summer. I’ll visit Lebanon then.”
For others with family ties to Lebanon, it creates an awkward situation. “My wife was planning to go to Lebanon to attend her sister’s wedding, which is coming up in two weeks,” said Fadi Ali, a Saudi married to a Lebanese woman.
“I fear something bad might happen, and I was in constant debate with her because I don’t want her to go there right now. In the end, her family delayed the wedding by a month, which I think is a good decision considering the situation.”
Despite the fears for the safety of loved ones, there is outrage over the assassination.
“Many of us here in Saudi Arabia are sad at the death of Hariri and angry about this cowardly act,” Ali said.
“Hariri spent most of his time and energy to rebuild Lebanon, and he was good to his people. I hope these criminals will be brought to justice,” he added.
