As Lebanese cities regain their vitality with the approach of Christmas, and streets, cafes, and resorts are filled with visitors, the tourism and restaurant sector appears as an indicator of a temporary economic recovery, driven by the return of expatriates and the influx of Arab tourists, planting hope despite the current difficulties.
In this context, the head of the Syndicate of Restaurant, Cafe, Nightclub, and Patisserie Owners, Tony Al-Rami, stated in an interview that “the restaurant sector spreads positivity, peace, joy, and genuine love,” confirming that “the wonder of the Lebanese economy remains in the Lebanese diaspora, in addition to our brothers from the Gulf countries, especially with the remarkable turnout in Lebanon this season.”
Al-Rami added: “It is true that what we are witnessing is a seasonal glimmer of hope and nothing more, but we must deal with it positively, hoping that peace and security will prevail throughout the Lebanese territories, especially in the south, so that we can reach sustainable peace and a sustainable economy and tourism.”
He stressed that “the Lebanese people deserve to be happy, and we, as a restaurant sector, are fully prepared, as the turnout is good, and the range of prices is diverse and suits different budgets, and we welcome customers daily and are keen to develop the level of tourism services as is our duty.”
Regarding the increase in the number of workers in the restaurant sector during this period, Al-Rami confirmed that “the increase in demand requires strengthening the number of employees, which is what we are doing,” adding: “We need our workers, they provide the best services and they are our true partners in production, and on this occasion, I send them a special greeting, because they are the basis, and without them, it is impossible to talk about distinguished tourism in Lebanon.”
Al-Rami concluded by pointing out that “the tourism and restaurant movement is witnessing remarkable activity these days, not limited to expatriates only, but also includes visitors from Kuwait, Qatar, the Emirates, Jordan, and Egypt, in addition to other nationalities,” noting that “most of the tourist areas in Lebanon are witnessing a remarkable recovery, which constitutes a real opportunity to take a dose of oxygen that the sector desperately needs.”
