NNA – Cynthia Harb Habchi, President of the International Qoubaiyat Festivals, on Tuesday announced the launch of 2024 summer festivals.nbsp;
The event, attended by Caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Makary, Caretaker Minister of Tourism, Walid Nassar, Egyptian Ambassador, Alaa Moussa, and other dignitaries, aimed to celebrate Lebanonrsquo;s resilience amidst adversity.
In her address, Harb declared, quot;Today, we gather to launch the International Qoubaiyat Festivals for summer 2024, amidst challenging circumstances facing our beloved southern Lebanon.quot;nbsp;
Harb honored the resilience of the region and paid tribute to fallen martyrs in Lebanon and Gaza.nbsp;
Highlighting the decision of other Lebanese festivals to suspend activities this year, Harb affirmed Qoubaiyat commitment to continuing with support from the Ministry of Tourism.
The festival#39;s program includes diverse events such as a free DJ event, concerts by Melhem Zein and Guy Manoukian, and a nature hike in Wadi Halsban.nbsp;
Harb emphasized accessibility with affordable transportation from Beirut and accommodations booking available through www.akkarmap.com.nbsp;
Celebrating a decade of cultural contributions, she praised the festivals for revitalizing tourism and the local economy.
In turn, Information Minister, Ziad Makary said, ldquo;Wherever Lebanese women contribute, they flourish and symbolize progress and prosperity. I had wished to announce the launch of festivals in Tyre, Baalbek, and Jounieh this year, but I hope that next year will be better.quot;nbsp;
Makary highlighted the festivals#39; role in placing Akkar prominently on Lebanon#39;s cultural map and stressed the media#39;s vital role in promoting national unity and portraying Lebanon positively.
For his part, Tourism Minister Walid Nassar, commended Harb and the festival committee for their dedication, asserting, quot;The Qoubaiyat Festivals have firmly placed Akkar on the Lebanese map.quot;nbsp;
Nassar encouraged Lebanese to showcase their country as a summer destination despite current challenges.
The tourism Minister also underscored the festival#39;s impact on local development and announced governmental support for a new religious tourism project in Qoubaiyat.
nbsp;
nbsp;
nbsp;
======R.H.