Dubai: Tourism Minister, Laura Lahoud, participated in the World Governments Summit in Dubai as part of the Lebanese delegation led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, at the invitation of UAE Economy and Tourism Minister Abdullah bin Touq. Speaking in a dialogue session on emerging destinations, Lahoud said Lebanon's tourism sector remains a pillar of the national economy despite challenges, contributing 20-30% of GDP. She highlighted Lebanon's cultural, environmental, sports, and medical tourism assets, the role of the diaspora, and the shift toward authentic experiences such as gastronomy tourism, heritage guesthouses, and the Lebanon Mountain Trail. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Lahoud also stressed institutional reforms, including the launch of the digital tourism portal and licensing automation, calling tourism a sector of hope and job creation.