It will be ‘business as usual’ at MEADFA in Beirut this month, following an official letter from Minister of Tourism H.E. Avedis Guidanian reassuring the association that it is continuing to support the upcoming event. 

 

In a statement today, MEADFA said: “The 2017 MEADFA Conference will proceed as scheduled in Beirut from November 20-21 at the Phoenicia Hotel. 

 

“Amidst the recent changes in the government, the Minister of Tourism H.E. Avedis Guidanian immediately issued an official letter to MEADFA reassuring its continuing support of the upcoming event.”

 

[Ed’s note: Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned suddenly without warning over the weekend after claiming from his location in Saudi Arabia that there was an assassination plot against him. See story here: https://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/middle-east/meadfa-address-unlikely-as-lebanon-pm-hariri-resigns/130837].

 

Quoting the letter from the Minister of Tourism, MEADFA added in a statement that His Excellency Avedis Guidanian said the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri ‘has no impact on the security or the economic stability of the country’. 

 

The letter added: “We reassure that all Lebanese parties are as attached to the country’s security as its stability.  It is this desire that protects us today and makes our country a safe and stable destination.”  

 

MEADFA CLOSELY MONITORING THE SITUATION

Meanwhile, MEADFA said it is closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon and will advise delegates of any information if and when necessary. MEADFA President Haitham AL Majali said: “The MEADFA Board and myself are, of course, monitoring the situation in Lebanon closely, and we understand the need for clarity among those registered for the event.

 

“Given the apparent stability on the ground, the high level of security at the venue and the reassurances we have personally received from the Minister of Tourism, we continue to prepare for what we are confident will be a great opportunity for our industry in the Middle East and Africa to gather, exchange and debate. 

 

“We are in constant contact with our partners in Beirut and will not hesitate to contact our delegates should the situation change. In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming our industry to another enjoyable MEADFA Conference.”

 

CLOSE TO 400 DELEGATES NOW REGISTERED

The association has confirmed that close to 400 delegates within the industry and beyond are expected to attend the MEADFA Conference in Beirut.  It added today that after its participation in last year’s event, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will once again send one of its highest representatives to attend the MEADFA Conference.

 

“With an excellent line up of speakers covering consumer trends, business outlook in the region and the latest in technology – just to name a few of the topics to be discussed – the networking opportunities in the upcoming social programme is also not to be missed.”

 

MEADFA adds that Beirut and the Lebanon is ‘famous for its fascinating history and warm hospitality’ and tourism has increased by 12% in the last year, with the location now one of the favoured travel destinations in the Middle East.