The Minister of Tourism in the caretaker government, Walid Nassar, hosted young Arab women and men participating in the Arab Youth Tourism Forum, led by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. George Klass, along with Hassan Sharara, the director of "Beirut, Capital of Arab Youth," Ahmed Ramadan, the president of the Lebanese Youth Hostels Federation, and members of the federation. The reception took place at the Byblos Sur Mer Hotel in the city of Byblos, where Nassar and Klass spoke about the importance of youth tourism and sports tourism, highlighting the significance of declaring "Beirut the Capital of Arab Youth" in Lebanon this year despite all the challenges and difficult circumstances the country is facing.
During the meeting with the Arab youth, in the presence of a large group of representatives from Byblos clubs and the General Director of Facilities in Lebanon, Muhammad Awidat, Nassar announced the launch of a workshop to build a youth hostel, which will be the thirteenth in Lebanon. The Mayor of Batroun, Mstita, and Qartaboun in the Byblos district, Abdo Al-Attiq, announced the provision of land for this purpose.
Klass expressed his gratitude to his counterpart for the invitation and congratulated him on launching the idea of "guest houses," commending his role in enhancing tourism returns and placing the success of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in hosting Beirut as the Capital of Arab Youth in service of the tourism movement and stability in the country.
Ahmed Ramadan, the president of the Lebanese Youth Hostels Federation, stated, "In the presence of the Minister of Tourism, we call for integration and place our resources at the service of tourism," addressing him, "You, Minister, are recognized for your work within organized plans and clear visions, enhancing partnership between the private and public sectors and civil society." He also congratulated the Minister of Youth and Sports on the successful experience of collaborative work with federations to make the Capital of Youth successful.
Arab youth expressed their amazement at the beauty of Lebanese nature, praising the reception, care, and attention they received in Lebanon. The Arab Youth Tourism Forum is considered the fourth activity of "Beirut, Capital of Arab Youth 2023," following the opening ceremony, the Arab Economic and Social Empowerment Forum, and the Explore Lebanon program, organized by the Lebanese Youth Hostels Federation under the ministry's supervision.
At the end of the tourism day in Kesrouan, from Jeita to Harissa to the cable car and Byblos, Minister Nassar hosted a large dinner on the Byblos beach in honor of the Arab youth.
