On January 4, 2010, in its first networking activity this year, Berytech hosted a lunch debate in honor of H.E. Mr. Fadi Abboud, Minister of Tourism, in the presence of Berytech community members and management.

The debate hinged around innovative strategies to attract and increase the number of various tourists, notably from European and Asian countries, and render Lebanon an all-year destination.

Branding Lebanon is high on the priority list of the Ministry, and the Minister welcomed input from Berytech entrepreneurs on this level.

The discussion, which was lively and interactive, underlined the interest of everyone in the room to see Lebanon become the “in” destination for the next decade. Lebanon has also become a site of interest for 3rd generation Lebanese immigrants who want to reconnect with their roots. Also building tours around agricultural and environmental themes such as eco-tourism, olive or grape festivals, etc. was proposed

A collaboration between the Ministry and a number of entrepreneurs in the room was envisaged as the synergies between the professional activities of some of the companies and the needs and plans of the Ministry became apparent.

Upon the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Maroun Chammas, President of Berytech, presented Minister Abboud with a trophy of appreciation. Commenting on his visit, and the impressive input he received from Berytech, the Minister declared: “I am very proud of what I have seen here. Berytech is the way forward, and a success story to be replicated across industries. This is just one of those things that force you to believe in this country”.