Tyre: Tourism Minister, Laura Khazen Lahoud, on Friday visited the city of Tyre on a tour aimed at assessing the tourism sector, archaeological sites, and heritage landmarks following recent Israeli attacks, and reviewing recovery efforts to restore tourism activity.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Lahoud began her visit at the Municipality of Tyre, where she was received by MP Ali Khreis, Mayor Hassan Dbouk, Deputy Mayor Alwan Sharafeddine, Dr. Ali Badawi, Director of archaeological sites in South Lebanon, and Ali Khalifa, Director of the Tyre Tourist Rest House. Mayor Dbouk welcomed the visit, highlighting its importance in evaluating the city's condition and tourism infrastructure.
Lahoud stressed the importance of preserving cultural and archaeological heritage as a core element of national identity and a foundation for reviving the tourism sector. She noted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with UNESCO, to protect Lebanon's antiquities, describing them as a vital national legacy for future generations. She also expressed hope for restored stability following an Israeli withdrawal, an end to violations, strengthened sovereignty, and support for the Lebanese Army.
The minister later toured the city port, Roman archaeological sites, and the Tyre Tourist Rest House, where she met tourism stakeholders in the presence of MP Melhem Khalaf. Discussions focused on the current state of tourism and post-war challenges, with stakeholders presenting proposals to support recovery and revive the sector.
Lahoud emphasized that recovery begins with listening to local needs, pledging continued administrative facilitation and coordination with relevant ministries to support tourism revival. She praised Tyre's rich cultural and tourism assets, expressing hope for sustained cooperation to strengthen the city's position on Lebanon's tourism map.