The Lebanese are eagerly awaiting the return of Gulf tourists to their country after Saudi Arabia lifted the travel ban on their country and the UAE ambassador to Beirut announced that Abu Dhabi would take the same step soon.
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Political sources said most Gulf countries are expected to follow Riyadh’s example, noting that there were estimates about large numbers of Saudis who are preparing to visit Lebanon.
A ministerial source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the cabinet was considering holding a special session for the ministers concerned with tourism and the service sector to prepare for the coming phase and implement all the measures and steps to ensure the success of the tourist season.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Democratic Gathering MP Nehme Tohmeh said the post-Eid al-Fitr period would be “as a starting point for a promising tourist season that confirms that Lebanon remains the country favored by the Saudis and the Gulf because of their historic, political and social bonds.”
The Fitr holiday marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan and will fall in the first week of June.
Tohmeh said he hoped the government would take effective steps to ensure the success of the season, especially since the country has enjoyed internal stability that is credited to the army, internal security forces and other agencies that are working to maintain civil peace and stability.
“The city of Aley is ready to welcome the summer season, at the levels of infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, cafes and parks,” said Aley mayor Wajdi Murad.
A senior parliamentary source told Asharq Al-Awsat that ambassadors of the Gulf countries were conveying reassuring words and confirming the arrival of large numbers of tourists after Eid al-Fitr.
The source added that Gulf embassies were alerted to ensure the welfare of their nationals and communicate with Lebanese officials in various ministries.
