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Minister Guidanian: Rumors and bad news undermine tourism in Lebanon
16-7-2018
The tourism minister in the caretaker government, Avedis Guidanian, held a joint press conference on July 13 with the president of the Lebanese Federation for Tourism Industries, Pierre Achkar, president of the Restaurants Syndicate, Toni Rami, and Maritime Resort Owners Association, Jean Beiruti, to talk about the situation of tourism in the country. Guidanian reminded the audience that at the start of every summer season unwanted rumours and bad news pop up mainly through social media, which negatively impact the tourism sector, like news of the air and sea pollution and overpriced accommodation as compared to abroad. This is not true, Guidanian stated, citing the Forbes magazine which classified Lebanon on the list of the cheapest tourist destinations in the world. There are luxurious and posh hotels that offer quality accommodation and special features, while on the other hand, there are modest tourism institutions that offer budget prices. Similarly, Achkar considered that such rumours constitute a war on the existence of Lebanon and its touristic port, noting that tourists flock to the country from all parts of the world. He disclosed that around 150 travel and tourism agencies have signed up to participate in Visit Lebanon Forums 2017 and 2018 and toured the different Lebanese areas but did not allude to the undesirable news aired on TVs and media channels. And while Achkar reiterated Lebanon’s tourism prominence in the region as per its distinctive potentials in the industry, he pointed to a decline in tourism expenses, stressing the need to highlight the positive traits the country boasts. (An Nahar, Al Diyar, July 14, 2018)
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- العربية
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