In Lebanon, the establishment and operation of tourism establishments—including accommodation facilities, tourist residences, chalets, auberges, motels, and resorts—are regulated principally by Decree No. 15598 of 21 September 1970, as amended, particularly by Decree No. 4221/2000.
The legal framework applies primarily to the licensing and operation of tourism establishments and projects. It should not automatically be interpreted as granting an entire municipality or existing Lebanese village the formal designation of a “tourist village.” A tourist village project should provide suitable visitor facilities, respect the environmental and architectural character of its location, and obtain all required tourism, municipal, construction, commercial, and regulatory approvals.
Principal Project and Licensing Requirements
1. Application to the Ministry of Tourism
The project owner, investor, or legally authorized representative submits an application to the Ministry of Tourism. Depending on the project and licensing stage, the file may include preliminary plans, project details, ownership or lease documents, and an economic or technical study.
2. Architectural and Environmental Compatibility
The project should respect the local environment, landscape, architectural identity, and heritage character of the area. Construction that causes significant visual or urban distortion may affect the project’s approval.
3. Preliminary Approval
The competent departments review the project concept and preliminary documents before authorizing the applicant to proceed with the detailed licensing requirements.
4. Technical Approval
Detailed architectural and technical plans must be submitted for the proposed facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, chalets, motels, auberges, tourist residences, and resorts.
Approval from the Ministry of Tourism does not replace the permits required from the municipality, Directorate General of Urban Planning, or other competent public authorities.
5. Adequate Tourism Facilities
The project should contain one or more genuine tourism components, such as:
- Licensed accommodation;
- Food and beverage facilities;
- Recreational or cultural activities;
- Visitor services;
- Facilities appropriate to the project’s location and category.
Legal and Administrative Documentation
Depending on the type and legal form of the establishment, the licensing file may require:
- An application signed by the owner or authorized representative;
- A recent criminal-record certificate for the manager or responsible operator;
- Evidence of the manager’s professional qualifications or relevant tourism experience, when required;
- Commercial registration and corporate documents, where the operator is a company;
- Municipal occupancy or completion authorization, as applicable;
- A title deed or duly registered lease;
- Approved architectural and technical plans;
- Compliance with health, public-safety, fire-prevention, environmental, and operational conditions;
- Any additional documents required for the particular category of tourism establishment.
Examples of Tourism Establishments
| Establishment | Primary function | Typical location or characteristics |
| Hotel | Provides guest rooms or suites, reception services, and other hospitality facilities | Urban, coastal, mountain, heritage, or resort destinations |
| Tourist residence | Provides furnished apartments, rooms, or residential units for temporary stays | Cities, villages, summer destinations, and extended-stay locations |
| Chalet | Provides an independent or semi-independent accommodation unit | Ski areas, mountain resorts, seaside developments, and leisure complexes |
| Auberge or country inn | Provides small-scale accommodation with a rural, heritage, or nature-based character | Traditional villages, mountain areas, and countryside destinations |
| Tourist resort | Combines accommodation with restaurants, leisure facilities, sports, wellness, or entertainment activities | Integrated coastal, mountain, rural, or recreational developments |
A Clear Tourism Identity
In addition to meeting licensing requirements, a successful tourist village project should present a recognizable local identity based on one or more of the following:
- Cultural festivals and community events;
- Natural landmarks and landscapes;
- Traditional architecture;
- Local cuisine and agricultural products;
- Arts, crafts, and cultural heritage;
- Winter, summer, ecological, or rural activities.
These features strengthen the project’s tourism appeal, but they do not replace the legal licenses required for each establishment or activity.
Important Considerations
Approval Is Not Automatic
The Ministry of Tourism or another competent authority may reject or suspend an application if the required legal, technical, safety, environmental, or operational conditions are not satisfied.
Preliminary Approval Is Not an Operating License
An initial or conditional approval does not necessarily authorize the establishment to receive guests or begin commercial operations. Operations should start only after obtaining the required final licenses and approvals.
Each Establishment May Require Separate Licensing
Hotels, restaurants, chalets, tourist residences, guesthouses, entertainment facilities, and other activities may be subject to different classification and operational requirements.
Local Character Is a Strategic Advantage
Projects that preserve local architecture, protect the surrounding landscape, involve the community, and offer visitors an authentic experience are generally better positioned for sustainable tourism development.
Legal notice:
This overview is intended for general informational purposes. The exact requirements depend on the project’s category, scale, location, legal structure, and applicable regulations. Applicants should obtain an updated checklist directly from the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism and the other competent authorities before investing or beginning construction.