The National Museum in Beirut (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
My message to the Lebanese living abroad is: Say no to terrorism and visit Lebanon.
— Caretaker Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud
One of the best times to visit Beirut is during the Christmas holidays. This year, however, the tourism sector is looking particularly weak. Since two suicide bombers attacked the Iranian Embassy in Bir Hasan last week, the number of holiday visitors this season is predicted to be especially low. In fact, when I took my students to the National Museum in Beirut (above) this past week-end, I noticed that we were the only ones enjoying its impressive collection–which, by the way, is a must-see if you come to Beirut.
So, if visiting Lebanon is on your bucket list, the Lebanese tourism minister is giving you a new reason to come for the holidays: to take a stand against terrorism, and not let it keep you–and your badly needed tourist dollars–away.
