NNA - Caretaker Minister of Tourism Fadi Abboud received Thursday a delegation of the owners of restaurants, cafes, nightclubs and bakeries' union headed by Paul Aris with talks featuring high on the tourism situation in general and the conditions of the catering sector in particular.



After the meeting, Minister Abboud said "we know that tourism is going through difficult circumstances which are directly linked to security and stability. It is unfortunate that the number of expatriate tourists has significantly diminished this year, not to mention the Arab and foreign tourists."



Abboud noted that "the economic situation is very difficult and therefore, if we continue to fail to take fast and smart action, we are expected to face more tough economic issues."



The Minister drew attention to the fact that "Lebanon's hotels are one of the best in the world in terms of room rates on services."



He also hoped on neighboring countries to provide traveling fees at better prices, amid this difficult stage.



Finally, Abboud reiterated his call on the President to hold a meeting for the Supreme Commission for Tourism to re-study a new tourism plan or a new road map that could cope with these difficult circumstances.



=============D.K.