Beirut Restaurants Festival’s third edition was inaugurated by the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Avedis Guidanian, and the General Secretary of the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafés, Night-Clubs & Pastries in Lebanon, Tony Ramy, on Friday September 28, at Mar Mikhael’s iconic Trainstation.
Organized by the syndicate in collaboration with Hospitality Services, the three-day event will be attended by the Governor of Beirut, Ziyad Shabib, several political, economic, touristic, cultural diplomatic and military dignitaries, as well as numerous visitors.
The opening ceremony honored the guru of tourism and hospitality Nouhad Dammous, who received an honorary shield from Guidanian in recognition of his work and accomplishments in the sector over the past decades.
The festival, which will run until Sunday, September 30, is the ultimate food celebration, bringing together more than 50 of the top restaurants, cafes and pastries in Lebanon. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks while listening to live performances from top bands and musicians including Arnabeat, Joy Fayad, Marc Hatem, Andrea Bou Nehme and Mosaic Band. A dedicated kids’ zone will also provide children with an exciting play area, making it an all-round family destination.
In a common speech, Ramy and Joumana Dammous-Salamé, managing director of Hospitality Services, welcomed the guests and offered their gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism for its pivotal role in the growth of the tourism sector and its commitment to meeting the requirements necessary to develop tourism in Lebanon responsibly.
“Our restaurants, cafes and nightclubs are renowned internationally for quality and excellence; they reflect Lebanese generosity. We have the knowledge and resources to maintain this high standard, and we are thrilled to be celebrating the third edition of the festival with the syndicate. It is an occasion to prepare for the season to come,” Dammous-Salamé said.
Ramy said: “At Beirut Restaurants Festival, we shall continue to celebrate Beirut’s triumph as the Best International City for Food. Beirut is the bride of the Mediterranean and enjoys all aesthetic, imaginative and innovative features. Lebanon is indeed the nation of joy.”
Ramy added: “Everyone knows that our nation is at a turning point, struck by stagnation and deterioration on all economic, social and environmental aspects because all catalysts of growth have ceased. However, the tourism sector always accepts a challenge and persists in moving forward. Thank you to those who have believed in Lebanon, the nation of miracles, achievements and successes.”
Commenting on the honoring of Nouhad Dammous, Ramy said: “This year, the festival includes the honoring of the guru of tourism and hospitality Mr. Nouhad Dammous, who has devoted himself to tourism and hospitality, and is still the beating heart of the sector. We draw our energy and strength from him, as he has been key to our relentless work to making the festival a success.”
