Minister of Tourism Michel Pharaon held together with the head of the municipality of Jbeil Ziad Hawat and Bank of Beirut Chairman, Dr. Salim Sfeir a press conference at Edde Sands, to officially announce Jbeil as "Capital of Arab Tourism" for 2016, and to kickoff the calendar of festivities that will take place starting the 1st ofApril, 2016. 

Pharaon congratulated the city of Jbeil for the award, commending the determination of its citizens to defy the prevailing situation and be at the forefront of the Arab world.

In his statement, Dr. Sfeir, Chairman – CEO of Bank of Beirut, exclusive partner of Jbeil festivities for the year 2016, said: “We’re here to pay tribute to our heritage and to Lebanon. Our responsibility at Bank of Beirut is to support innovators. Our duty is to be here in this position to nurture great initiatives and contribute in turning Jbeil into the pearl of the coast, not only the Lebanese one.”