(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BEIRUT, June 25 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Tourism Minister Michel Pharaon said Saturday that tourism was up last month by 17 percent, due to the improved security situation in the country.
Pharaon made his remarks in a joint press conference with Interior Minister Nuhad Mashnuq, marking the kick off a tourism festival in Ashrafia area in Beirut.
The minister said hotels occupancy reached between 70-75 percent, in addition to the operation of more than 100 flights from various airline companies for the Eid Al-Fitr occasion, which would begin after the Muslims'' holy month of Ramadhan.
Pharaon said more than 90 international festivals started since the beginning of this month, including more than 500 activities in various Lebanese towns.
Meanwhile, Mashnuq said that the security situation is good, adding that there are further security measures at the international airport, in preparation to receive tourists for this summer.
The minister noted that the army will reinforce security at the airport to ensure safety for all citizens, or in any case of incidents.
Mashnuq said Lebanon is the only country which was able this year to prevent seven terrorist operations while arresting terrorists before conducting their operations. (end) ayb.mb