Tourism Prices in Lira: What Lebanon’s New Circular Means
A recent circular issued by Minister of Tourism Laura El Khazen Lahoud has once again put dollar pricing in Lebanon’s tourism sector under scrutiny. The directive officially cancels Circular No. 9 (issued June 2, 2022), which had allowed tourism institutions to bypass Lebanese Lira pricing during the height of the currency crisis.
The New Regulatory Framework
Under the new rules, the Lebanese Lira is reinstated as the legal anchor for the sector. Every restaurant, café, and hotel must now have their primary price lists certified and stamped exclusively in Lira by the Ministry of Tourism. To ensure compliance, the Ministry has announced stricter inspection campaigns, warning of legal action against establishments that fail to update their documentation.
So can they still price in US Dollars?
Short answer: yes. Following the initial announcement, the Ministry published a clarification stating that the directive is not an outright ban on US dollars, but rather a re-regulation under a formal “Notification” (3elem wa khabar) framework. This clarification seeks to bridge the gap between legal text and market reality. It ensures the Lira remains the official “anchor” for oversight, while allowing businesses to maintain the pricing flexibility that helped the sector stabilize.
To do this legally, businesses must:
- Submit a parallel dollar price list to the Ministry.
- Ensure the dollar prices align with the certified Lira rates.
- Obtain an official registration number and stamp for the dollar menu.
Why The Decision Matters
The Ministry’s position is rooted in a desire to curb “unchecked” pricing. With the exchange rate remaining relatively stable for nearly two years, the government is moving away from emergency measures toward a system where the Lira is the primary tool for oversight. By requiring a Ministry stamp on all menus (whether in Lira or Dollars) the government aims to protect consumers from arbitrary price inflation and ensure transparency.
The Industry Response
The Lebanese Franchise Association issued a statement opposing the cancellation of Circular No. 9. The association argued that dollar pricing helped the tourism franchise sector recover and expand during the crisis. They also called for freezing or reversing the new circular, citing its importance to the sector and the broader economy.
However, critics of the association’s position point out that economic recovery cannot come at the expense of legal frameworks or consumer protection, particularly at a time when pricing transparency has become a growing public concern.
What Comes Next
For now, the circular remains in effect, and tourism institutions are expected to comply.
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