Summer festivals’ boosting effect resembles a cooling breeze that ended very fast

Notwithstanding the statements lauding the role of festivals in boosting tourism and invigorating the economy, the president of the Association of Beirut Traders Nicolas Shammas described their overall impact as a cool breeze which lasted only for a short time. For his part, the general director of the Union of Tourism Syndicates, Jean Beyruti, said the festivals have socially, culturally and financially livened up remote rural areas which for three consecutive years have been weighed down by snow storms. 

Regarding ongoing summer activities yesterday saw the launching of so-called Tsunami festivities in Saida. One significant positive indicator was the presence of municipal board member, Kamel Kosbar, affiliated with the Jamaa Islamiya, an organisation which previously expressed its reservations on the festivals (http://bit.ly/2c97OyQ). Meanwhile, in the North, the Second Menyeh Festivities were launched last Wednesday and included a cocktail of musical events and a powered parachute flying show. The northern city of Amchit, as well, opened its first festivals last Friday with musical concerts and a vintage cars show planned for the closing day. Likewise, while the Krum el Shams fiesta in Maghdoosheh is proceeding, while preparations are underway for the Tripoli festivals which will commence on September 12. (An Nahar, Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, August 31, Sept, 3-5, 2016)