Lebanon and the Lebanese are preparing to change the charged atmosphere that still accompanies us like a curse. As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, the focus is on this awaited period and its effects on various sectors. How are the restaurants preparing? What do they hold in store this year?
Tony Rami, the president of the Association of Restaurant, Café, Pub, and Patisserie Owners, highlights in an interview with MTV that they are looking forward to a promising holiday season and the many expatriates who will come, saying: "We are promised a turnout that will encourage establishments to work and prepare more."
Rami reveals a presence of Lebanese artists performing in concerts within Lebanon, in contrast to previous years, which is encouraging. He promises beautiful atmospheres, stating about the preparations: "They are excellent, and the restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs are fully prepared for New Year's Eve to attract many night-goers with their wonderful atmospheres."
What about prices, which are a crucial factor given the difficult situation that the Lebanese are experiencing? Rami answers: "There is no interest for anyone in raising prices. Prices will remain stable, meaning they will be competitive and calculated. We are looking to attract the middle class and are trying to maintain it. We assure the Lebanese that they will be able, at the very least, to experience the atmosphere of these holidays, even though the sector has become a luxury under the current situation."
In this context, he points out the need for political factors in the country to assist them, saying: "We hope to witness calm during this month and that the political situation will be positive, allowing us to take a breath of fresh air. Our tourism is not sustainable but rather seasonal, which prevents us from having a tourism strategy, forcing us to rely on this season despite it being limited to 15 days as we wait for upcoming seasons." Hope and reliance on the holidays and expatriates, and it seems that this period will be "cursed."
