Arab tourists flock in the thousands to Lebanon from Gulf countries every summer. More and more, Arab men seem to be attracted by the growing opportunities to engage in sex tourism.
Lebanon has long been known to cater to all desires: A place where Arab tourists can break taboos they must contend with in their home countries. Some just want some freedom. Hind, an year-old Saudi girl, is spending her summer in Lebanon, enjoying the chance to show off her striking red lipstick, large black eyes and black veil.
She cruises in her three-wheel all-terrain vehicle at midnight in the overcrowded main streets of Aley, a town 30km from Beirut, where most of the cafes and restaurants are packed with Gulf tourists and Lebanese expatriates. But much of the growing tourism industry is still focused on men interested in sex.
Lebanese women β with their outgoing characters, love of life and, most of all, their trendy European looks β have in recent years become central to attracting more Arab tourists into the country. One of the hottest spots for such tourism is Maameltein, the red-light district of Lebanon, 20km north of Beirut.
One pimp in Maameltein, who asked to be identified as Carlos, told said there is no shortage of women, either local or from Europe, in Maameltein. In his late 40s, Carlos is often described as the best pimp in the district, catering to a clientele of mostly rich Saudi men.
