Abboud launching Ibrahim river festival in Lebanon

Minister of Tourism, Fady Abboud, launched Ibrahim River touristic festival in presence of top police brass and the mayor of Jbeil, Najwa Farah. In his inaugural speech, he reiterated the Mikati-government catchphrase "All of us for actions." The Minister set the objective of 3 million tourists annually remains as the main task of his Ministry. He spoke about the historical significance of Ibrahim River saying the purpose of the festival is to erect a bridge between art and architecture acknowledging at the same time industries on both banks of the river, unfortunately polluted beautiful Lebanese natural scenery. He favored a blue-print for continued touristic action based on special government decree to preserve the environment all over the country. He attributed actual decline in tourism by 83% to the current unrest in Syria saying that only one hundred thousand entered Lebanon against 6 hundred thousand last year. Minister Abboud also cited some of the problems facing tourists coming into the country through the International Airport and urged quick solutions to them. He criticized Solidere venture in Downtown saying it was not the embodiment of the touristic sector. Abboud called for reforming Casino Du Liban and diversification of touristic activities.