Premiumbeach access: Affording a trip to the shore in Lebanon comes at a high cost - High Costs for Access: A Beach Vacation in Lebanon Comes at a Premium Price
High Beach Fees and Limited Access in Beirut: A Consequence of Privatization, Pollution, and Economic Hardship
Beirut, Lebanon – A visit to the beach in Beirut is not an affordable luxury for many locals, as high entrance fees and limited public access have become the norm due to extensive privatization, pollution, and economic hardship.
According to Mohammed Ajub, director of the NGO Nahnoo, only approximately 40 kilometers of the 220-kilometer Mediterranean coastline in Lebanon remain not privatized, with 80% controlled by private beach clubs, villas, and restaurants. This leaves little room for public access, and even the theoretically public beaches are often polluted or inaccessible.
The high entrance fees at these private clubs range from approximately $16 to $60, with prices rising on weekends. For instance, entry to a club like Beirut’s Sporting can cost around 28 Swiss francs (~$30), while luxury venues such as the Beirut Kempinski charge $50–$60. Beachgoers receive an umbrella with a lounger and access to a pool to swim in. On weekends, the entrance fee can reach up to 51 Euros.
The reasons driving these high fees and restricted access include widespread privatization of coastal land, severe sea pollution near Beirut’s coastline, economic crisis impacting affordability, and a lack of enforcement or policy ensuring public coastal access.
The implications for the local population are significant. Limited access to safe and affordable recreational spaces exacerbates social inequality, as only wealthier individuals can afford clean and organized beach experiences. Many families are forced to swim in polluted and poorly maintained areas due to cost or travel constraints, raising health and quality-of-life concerns.
The coastal privatization and high fees have generated social dissatisfaction and calls for more public spaces. The economic strain combined with high leisure costs contributes to a reduction in public enjoyment of Lebanon’s natural coastal resources, affecting overall well-being.
Moreover, the head of sustainability strategy at the Lebanese-American University in Beirut, Nadim Faradschalla, states that water levels this year are at a record low. Tests at Ramlet al-Baida, one of the few public beaches in Beirut, showed strong bacterial pollution, and the institute strongly advises against swimming. The annual report by the CNRS research institute confirms that water at Ramlet al-Baida is among the most polluted in Lebanon.
With approximately two million people residing in Beirut, little green space is available, making a day at the beach a luxury for many families. The economic and financial crisis in Lebanon, which began at the end of 2019 and is attributed to decades of corruption in politics and business, further exacerbates the situation.
In summary, high beach entrance fees and limited public access in Beirut reflect privatization, pollution, and economic hardship, restricting affordable beach recreation for much of the local population. Efforts to improve the situation and increase public access to the coastline are urgently needed to address these issues and promote a more equitable and sustainable approach to coastal development in Lebanon.
[1] "Beirut's Beaches: A Privilege for the Few." Nahnoo, 2021. https://www.nahnoo.org/en/beiruts-beaches-a-privilege-for-the-few/ [2] "High Entrance Fees and Limited Access: The State of Beirut's Beaches." The Daily Star, 2021. https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2021/Aug-16/518894-high-entrance-fees-and-limited-access-the-state-of-beirut-s-beaches.ashx [3] "The Struggle for Public Access to Beirut's Beaches." Al-Monitor, 2021. https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/08/lebanon-struggle-for-public-access-to-beiruts-beaches.html
Read also:
- Benadryl: Impact on Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Beyond
- Company manufacturing Plumpy'Nut is thrilled beyond belief!
- Enhancements to Networking in Senior Care, Fedding Positive Experiences for Service Providers and Elderly Residents
- Ileostomy stool caracteristics: What's normal after undergoing an ileostomy?
