In the framework of efforts to support tourism in the country, the minister of tourism in the caretaker government, Avedis Guidanian, Beirut governor, Ziad Shebib, and the President of the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Toni Rami, jointly inaugurated on Friday the third edition of the Beirut Restaurants Festival organized by the Syndicate and Hospitality Services. The 3-day event, held at the Trainstation in Mar Mikhael neighborhood of Beirut, attracted more than 15,000 visitors who flocked to sample the rich assortment showcased at the various participating stalls and food carts. On the other hand, the municipality of Kosta launched the first of its kind initiative extended to the southern capital, Saida, under the slogan, ‘Don’t let things get worse… hit the market’. The activity organized in cooperation with the municipality of Saida and Saida Traders’ Association, seeks to encourage area residents to go shopping and stroll the city’s commercial district on Saturday eve. The owners of local shops and stores welcomed the move hoping it will be repeated occasionally due to the need for similar initiatives. Also, the fourth Arab Forum for Youth and Cultural Tourism in Lebanon announced on Saturday the city of Baalbaq the capital of Arab cultural and youth tourism for 2018. The ceremony was organized by the Lebanese Youth Hostel Federation in partnership with the municipality of Baalbaq. (Al Mustaqbal, An Nahar, September 30, October 1, 2018)