15% growth in tourism amidst the boost in rural tourism

With the approaching touristic season and scheduled plans by the ministry to face the stagnation in the sector, An Nahar daily spoke to the minister of tourism, Michel Pharaon, who while boasting the successful rural tourism initiative launched two years ago by his ministry, pointed out to the new dimension offered by similar projects across the country which has to do with the provision of jobs for locals, especially women, in addition to reviving the development bustle in rural and remote areas. Pharaon also noted the high rate (100%) of occupancy at the various guest houses in Lebanon from the beginning of May until October. Pharaon also disclosed his ministry’s efforts to motivate the sustainable touristic trend of religious and cultural landmarks, alongside the tourism relying on the Diaspora. In this respect, Pharaon announced that he will invite travel agents from different countries that have Lebanese emigrants to design promotional packages catered exclusively to encourage expatriates to visit their homeland. Contrary to concerned people in the tourism sector, Pharaon seemed optimistic in anticipating a 15% rise in the sector, and proposed a so-called ‘Safe Summer’ slogan to encourage Arab Gulf tourists to visit the country and outlined a number of projects to be implemented to this effect. 

In the same vein, the USAID-funded Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development LIVCD program inaugurated last week a rock climbing and mountaineering site in Tanourine Tahta, Batroun area in the North, with the aim to boost rural economy through attracting tourists and creating jobs. The event was attended by minister Pharaon, mayors and concerned figures. Pharaon described the site as the biggest one in the country and a basic component in the national rural tourism strategy.

An Nahar, Al Mustaqbal, June 13 and 14, 2016