Lebanese Republic 
Minister of Economy and Trade welcomed the President of Lebanese Federation for Tourism Industries and President of National Council of Tourism in Lebanon
Pierre Achkar
Minister of Economy and Trade, Amin Salam, welcomed the President of Lebanese Federation for Tourism Industries and President of National Council of Tourism in Lebanon, Pierre Achkar, to discuss all issues related to the tourism sector, in general and the hotels’ sector, in particular.
In this regard, Achkar informed the Minister that the war has drastically affected the tourism sector in Lebanon and struck it at the very heart. In his turn, Minister Salam emphasized during the meeting that tourism carries with it huge economic possibilities for the country or even the place destination in which tourism is desired to be developed, such as for example, the job opportunities, currencies exchanges in addition to revenues and taxes. These are only a few of the methods sneak peek of many means through which tourism can bring money to the destination. Thus, governments turned toward investing in the tourism sector; adding that, during last years, the tourism numbers increased at tremendous rates worldwide, especially in Asia and the Middle East.
Moreover, Salam added that tourism plays a vital role in boosting national economy. For this reason, the Ministry of Economy & Trade will launch an economic development workshop in coordination with the concerned ministries where the tourism sector will play a significant role through the following:
1- Generate income and create job opportunities: the tourism sector is considered a main source for income in several countries for the presence of tourists and their stay in local regions require providing services and products delivered by local companies, such as hotels, restaurants, transportation and shopping centers in addition to entertainment activities. As a result, the said contributes in increasing the demand on goods and services; and consequently, creates job opportunities for local residents.
2- Enhance the investment and develop the infrastructure: the tourism sector needs a strong and developed infrastructure to accommodate and meet the tourists’ needs. Consequently, it boosts the investment in local infrastructure, such as hotels, airports, roads and touristic sites. This investment requires employing local workers as well as purchasing local materials and services, the thing that boost local economy and enhance the living standard of local communities.
3- Boost the related sectors: tourism significantly affects its related sectors such as the food industry, handicraft, trade and entertainment industries. As a result, the demand on local products, traditional trade and handcraft such as souvenirs, will increase and consequently, strengthens these sectors and contributes in their development and growth.
4- Strengthen both the cultural interaction and exchange: tourism constitutes an opportunity for cultural interaction between tourists and local communities. Tourists can enjoy unique experiences like tasting local cuisine and exploring cultural heritage in addition to interacting with local residents. This cultural exchange will surely enhance mutual understanding as well as tolerance and appreciation between different cultures.
5- Increase tax revenues: the tourism sector is considered an important source of tax revenues for local governments. When tourists visit a specific touristic destination, taxes are imposed on the benefited services like hotels, restaurants and shopping. These taxes contribute in financing the infrastructure, public services and other development projects.
6- Strengthen local industries: the tourism sector contributes in strengthening various local industries. For example, the tourist needs to buy souvenirs gifts and local products which support craft and art industries as well as local food industries, which means an increase of demand on local products and enhancing job opportunities available in these industries.
