BEIRUT: In 2013 Lebanon can expect 50 days of discounts on airline tickets, at hotels and shopping centers as part of a bid to revive the country’s tourism sector after months of stagnation, the country’s tourism minister announced Tuesday.

"We had our first meeting of the Lebanese Council for Promotions and decided to launch 50 days of discounts in Lebanon starting Jan. 8 until Feb. 18, including discounts on airlines tickets, hotels, car rentals as well as at restaurants and shopping centers,” Fadi Abboud told reports at the Grand Serail. His remarks came after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

The meeting was attended by Nada Sardouk, the director general of the Tourism Ministry, Wafiq Rahimi, the director general of the Foreign Ministry, Middle East Airlines Chairman Mohammad Hout and the head of the hotel owners' association Pierre Ashkar, among others. [Link]