Extensive programme of Lebanon holidays
FTI has launched a pioneering programme of package holidays for Lebanon to help re-establish the country on the world tourism map.
The German tour operator has a tradition of “discovering” new destinations, with past launches of large-scale programmes to the likes of Calabria in south Italy, Gambia and the Dominican Republic. Now the company has unveiled what it terms “the largest Lebanon programme on the German market”.
Foto: PR
FTI chief Dietmar Gunz declared: “We are the first to offer a comprehensive programme including city hotels, country combinations as well as tours and excursions in the ‘Switzerland of the Orient’.
Lebanon is a trend destination. In the first half of 2009 the country already welcomed 46% more visitors than the same period of 2008.” This growth put it at the top of the UNWTO’s list of 165 countries. Beirut airport recorded nearly 30% more passengers in the first half of last year. Lebanon lies only four hours by air from Frankfurt, and is served by many international airlines. Beirut, also known as “the Paris of the Middle East”, offers attractive architecture, fashionable shops and lively nightlife, the company pointed out.
Above all, the political climate has stabilised significantly since May 2008 and last year’s elections were conducted peacefully. Gunz stressed that he would send German travel agents on fam trips to the country to see for themselves that it was now a safe destination. “We will have to inform heavily and through all channels,” he said.
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