War against Iraq pushes Gulf citizens to seek tourism in Lebanon
Lebanon-Gulf, Economics, 2/12/2003

Tourism industry has been witnessing great turnout in Lebanon because of the flow of the Arab Gulf citizens into Beirut in the hope of having a quiet Eid al-Adha vacation, away from the drums of war, beaten by the USA against their region.

To this effect, the Lebanese minister Karam Karam disclosed that all rooms of hotels in Beirut are fully booked and that the airport is crowded by private planes coming from the Gulf region. Minister Karam did not rule out that the citizens of the Arab Gulf region will think of staying longer in Lebanon especially tourists from Kuwait due to the fact they do not feel secure in their homeland because of war talks against Iraq.

Karam said he was not able to find a room for a friend, a high ranking official in one of the Gulf states, a matter which obliged this official to stay in a furnished flat because he had not an earlier hotel booking.

Karam stressed that a queue of private planes landed during the past days in Beirut in remarks to that there are many rich and official Arabs among those who are visiting Beirut.

The Lebanese minister explained that the Lebanese authorities have taken all necessary measures at the airport and the private halls to receive these figures at all times.

The flow of the Gulf citizens to Lebanon coincides with the beginning of the shopping month which attracted in February 2002 some 60,000 and 65,000 visitors most of them are from the Gulf. However, Karam indicated that this number will increase this month to more than 100,000 tourists. Bankers hope that hard currency will flow into the country under these conditions.

The flow of the Gulf tourists into Lebanon has come at a time when Washington is urging its citizens to think of leaving this country, where feelings of hostility has been increased against America which threatens war against Iraq, and suports Israel who oppress the Palestinians.

Karam said "Taking into consideration the situation in the region, I can say that Lebanon will be a secure haven to all citizens in the world, including the Americans," expressing hope that nothing spoils this quietness which takes place.

Previous Stories:
  Survey of Lebanese coasts indicate existence of oil, gas   (1/31/2003)
  Syrian- Lebanese banks talks   (1/21/2003)
  Syrian- Lebanese Committee meet on Waters cooperation   (12/12/2002)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search