Beirut- Lebanon’s Tourism Minister Ouadis Kedenian expected on Saturday a promising tourism season after the Lebanese-Gulf ties regained their former glory.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Kedenian said: “We expect a promising season due to a number of considerations, the first being the visit of President Michel Aoun to Gulf states, in addition to his visits to Egypt and Jordan.”

The minister stressed on the importance of the reassurances Aoun had heard during his visit to Riyadh, which brought back conciliation with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states following the blow that hit tourism last summer.

A significant drop in visitors from Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) states was witnessed last year, particularly those who came from Saudi Arabia.

In addition to restoring the Lebanese-Gulf ties, Kedenian said the tourism sector could be revived given that “Lebanon might be the only country in the region to witness political and security stability due to the role played by the Lebanese Army and the official security forces in combating terrorism.”

Also, Kedenian said his ministry is working on a comprehensive plan to secure a promising tourism season in Lebanon all year long.

The minister uncovered a marketing strategy that his team is expected to announce next May on Arab television channels and social media in order to inform Gulf and Arab brothers about the latest tourism offers related to Lebanon.

The campaign will be conducted in coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Information.

Kedenian added: “I learned that our Saudi brothers have increased the number of the Saudi Air flights to Lebanon and that hotel reservations have lately started to register a surge.”

“I am also planning to conduct an unofficial visit to a number of Arab and Western countries to promote the next tourism season and involve all concerned parties in the process of achieving the promised objectives,” he added.