The Union of Restaurant, Cafe, Nightclub, and Patisserie Owners in Lebanon held a tourism meeting today in its office in Ain el-Mreisseh, titled "Together We Strengthen Our Union and Renew the Spirit of Resilience and Hope in Our Institutions and Lebanon." The meeting was attended by Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar, President of Economic Bodies Mohammad Choucair, Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, Head of Tourist Police Brigadier General Gerard Nasr, President of the Union of Tourism Trade Unions Pierre Achkar, Secretary-General of the Tourism Trade Unions Union Jean Biriouti, President of the Lebanese Businessmen and Businesswomen Association Nicolas Abou Khater, President of Beirut Traders Association Nicolas Chammas, Executive Director of Hospitality Services and member of the Lebanese Franchise Association Jumana Damous, and President of Rebirth Beirut Gabi Farnini, along with members of the union's board of directors, advisory members, journalist Jad Haidar, Secretary of Economic Bodies Alphons Deb, and economic journalist Joseph Farah.
President Tony Rami welcomed the attendees and emphasized that "this group photo is the actual translation of the meeting’s title and pumps high morale, planting optimism in souls." He stated that "the restaurant sector has managed the crisis well, demonstrating resilience and proving its existence in the past two seasons, thanks to the heroic colleagues from the tourism establishments 'creators of joy and their institutions are the most beautiful things left in Lebanon', despite the challenging conditions together."
Rami announced the arrival of the summer tourist season with the opening of 50 new restaurant establishments across the nation, from elite and professional operators, in addition to 5 global franchise brands. He remarked that "the tourism sector is fully prepared and will offer the highest level of services since preparations are underway in full swing with stakeholders who have gathered to share thoughts, planning, and vision, uniting and joining hands," confirming that "tourism is faced with two options: either to live day by day while fulfilling our duties or this season will be outstanding, if God protects Lebanon.”
Following Rami’s speech, remarks were made by Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar, President of Economic Bodies Mohammad Choucair, and Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud. The meeting concluded with the following joint statement: The attendees praised the activity of the Restaurant Owners Union and its efforts, emphasizing the importance of the tourism sector as a driver for all productive sectors and the backbone of the economy. This meeting provided an opportunity to enhance communication among attendees and was characterized by constructive dialogue and the exchange of ideas, where they agreed that joint efforts are the guarantee for the continuity of the private sector. The statement concluded that solidarity and effort would be the true driving force for success in the summer tourist season. Finally, the attendees expressed their solidarity with the people of the south and the establishments, wishing for all good, hoping that the coming days would bring Lebanon peace and reassurance.
