Learn more about our story, our values, and meet our team.
L’Hôte Libanais.
L’Hôte Libanais was established in 2001 with the goal of fostering responsible tourism that respects people and the environment.
Rethinking tourism: beyond economic growth
For a long time, tourism was seen as a tool for economic growth and development, with little attention paid to its negative impacts on natural resources, lifestyles, and cultures. As touristic activity has intensified and non-renewable resources have dwindled, the harmful effects of tourism have become increasingly evident.
Sustainable tourism: balancing benefits and drawbacks
However, if carried out in a measured, responsible manner, the disadvantages of tourism can be minimized, and its positive impacts significantly enhanced. This approach aligns with the true purpose of travel: encounters, exchanges, discovery, and wonder. L’Hôte Libanais has embraced this philosophy, which influences every aspect of our work.
Small-scale, sustainable accommodations
Our family of small-scale accommodations, ranging from 2 to 15 rooms, is integrated into their respective localities and regions. These accommodations harmonize with their surroundings, promoting sustainable development.
Responsible, limited experiences
The experiences we offer are limited in terms of frequency and number of participants to ensure they do not negatively impact the natural and human environments in which they occur.
Diversifying tourism destinations
We consciously avoid focusing solely on well-known touristic destinations. Instead, we are present in lesser-known regions to prevent imbalanced development that favors popular areas while neglecting others.
Emphasizing sustainable practices
Many of our Family Members practice sustainable agriculture, agritourism, and the use of local products and traditional know-how, whether in culinary or artisanal contexts.
Preserving heritage architecture
Heritage architecture is a powerful visual marker of our Family, prominently featured in rural regions and guesthouses located in the heart of Beirut.
Accessible and diverse experiences
We strive to make the memories and experiences we offer accessible to all travelers, not just a select minority. Our accommodations range in price from $80 to $350 per night (for two guests, breakfast included).
Personalized customer service
We believe our clients’ needs deserve more than automated, computer-generated responses. Each request is handled by a team member to ensure a customized experience.
Authentic encounters over standardized packages
Authenticity, not clichés, defines our approach. We believe travel must involve human interaction and mutual enrichment between travelers and locals. We offer unique, varied encounters rather than standardized, sterile packages.
The team.
Meet Yara, Ghinwa, and Margo.
Yara, the Director of Operations at L’Hôte Libanais, is a wanderer at heart, passionately drawn to new cultures, heritage, and human connections. Despite frequently moving from one place to another, her heart consistently gravitates back to Lebanon, amidst its rich diversity and contradictions – the place where she feels most alive. With a background in Hospitality Management, she spent years in major international hotel chains, where she sensed a lack of identity and soul. Seeking deeper meaning, in 2019 she found her perfect fit at L’Hôte Libanais.
Ghinwa, a Travel and Hospitality graduate from the Lebanese University, joined L’Hôte Libanais in 2021. She manages individual and group bookings, along with customer service. Additionally, she excels as an event organizer, particularly for sports-related events. For organizing your trip to Lebanon, Ghinwa is your go-to expert.
Margo has two passions: helping others and spreading her love of Lebanon. A trained nurse, she practiced this profession in Lebanon and in France, while also sharing her intimate knowledge of Lebanon and its hiking trails, particularly in her home region of Mount Lebanon. She joined the L’Hôte Libanais team in 2011 and is today the project’s acting manager. She continues to participate in social and humanitarian projects in Lebanon and abroad.