Roger Edde, Chairman of Edde Sands (Assalam Party)

Edde Sands in Byblos used to be a simple resort and now it is a top tourism destination in Lebanon. Roger Edde describes the amazing story of Byblos, and hospitality and tourism industry in Lebanon.

Georg Weinlaender, Area General Manager of Phoenicia & Le Vendôme

Phoenicia and Le Vendôme is the comeback of Paris into Near East. Discover the luxury of Lebanon through Phoenicia and Le Vendôme whose history spans through more than a half of a century. Phoenicia remains a living legend to enjoy and rediscover, says Mr. Weinlaender.

Michel Elefteriades, Emperor of Nowheristan, Founder and co-owner of Elefrecords/MusicHall

Exclusive interview about the concept of Nowheristan, success of MusicHall, life, war, politics, ideologies, Lebanon, and Lebanese people with Michel Elefteriades.

Chafic El Khazen, CEO and Founder of SKYBAR

Chafic El Khazen shares the story of SKYBAR - one of the most famous music clubs in the world which is located directly in Beirut. Mr. El Khazen is currently finishing another project which should complement SKYBAR in the winter time. If you are crazy about SKYBAR, you will feel the same about The One.

Tony Habre, Founder and CEO of Addmind (White, Iris, Mad, Iris Beach Club)

Tony Habre started in Lebanon with a bar for 25 people, today his company owns 8 different places. Mr. Habre says that tourism in Lebanon is surviving thanks to the Lebanese, the expatriots and people who are always returning to Lebanon despite the regional conflicts.

Lebanon Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Minister of Tourism, Fadi Abboud

On average countries see a 5-6% growth but Lebanon tourism is doing quite well as reflected by the growth in Lebanon tourism sector.  Lebanon has things to offer in this region that others cannot.  For example, quality of service, geography, nightlife, cuisine, the beach, snow, ecotourism, religious tourism, and price.  All of these factors help us succeed in tourism in Lebanon and enhance our growth to being the best in the world.  For 2010 we should see an increase of around 25% in Lebanon tourism sector.

Best Business and Conference Hotel in the Middle East, Lebanon Tourism, Intercontinental Phoenicia Beirut, General Manager, Mr. Georg Weinlaender

Keeping in mind the heritage of the hotel, our multi million dollar refurbishment as well as our room inventory of close to 5oo rooms, we aim to remain The flagship/Landmark hotel in Beirut and in Lebanon tourism sector, being the preferred venue for business travelers, the ideal partner for MICE business and of course the ideal hotel for city leisure travelers looking for Lebanon tourism . Historically Beirut was the banking center and gateway to the Middle East.

Lebanon Hospitality, Food Gallery, Founder and Managing Director, Maya Bekhazi Noun

We start with a market study then we go on to start the feasibility study.  Then we start gathering the investment; if it’s not a foreign investor we do it using our list of potential investors.  The whole process from gathering the investment to the opening is basically operational: finding the chef, deciding on the menu, recruiting the manager, the branding, the trademark, registering the company, and the legal issues.  After the opening we usually sign contracts for management and operations.