Despite the recent political turmoil in the country, the tourism sector remained relatively stable and recovered quickly after a slight dip in 2005. Analysts have confirmed that Lebanon is ripe for investing, particularly within the tourism sector. In view of this, the country has witnessed a burgeoning car-rental sector, an increasing number of international airlines, a vibrant hospitality sector, more visiting cruise ships and an influx of tourists from different destinations as far as China and Russia.

More than 3000 hotel rooms are currently under construction in Lebanon. At least 19 hotels of different categories will open by 2008, while five mega hotels and resorts will open by 2009. Names like Kempinski, Hyatt and Hilton will add properties to the existing international portfolio which includes InterContinental, Marriott, Movenpick, and Sheraton. Several boutique hotels are also under construction, so are hundreds of furnished apartments. Overall, experts believe that Lebanon's hotel and tourism market is far from being saturated and can support further investments. Fine dining and excellent cuisine are also an intrinsic part of Lebanese culture. Upscale restaurants abound from end to end in this leisurely food-loving nation, from regional Lebanese restaurants to Mexican, Thai, Italian, American, Moroccan, Indian and Irish.

It has become easier to deal with local companies, open new ones, and trade with Lebanese partners. Lebanon offers little restriction on the flow of goods and currencies in and out of the country. Bilateral tax agreements with a large number of countries, in addition to freedom of speech and press. Horeca, the leading tradeshow in the Levant, allows investors to capitalize on this business potential. In addition, solid Euromed partnership and WTO affiliation, along with ease of setting up local businesses, ensure a healthy trade environment. With well-developed private and retail banking services, ease of foreign currency exchange, a solid Central Bank and high foreign exchange reserves, the banking and finance sector in Lebanon is ideal for foreign investment.

Lebanon exports several brands of coffee shops, restaurants and quick-service outlets to the Arab World and even to Europe. Franchises include, Kabab-ji, La Maison du Caf, Zaatar w Zeit, Casper and Gambini's, Waterlemon, Crepaway, Dip n' Crunch, and much more. In addition, Western franchises are also popular in the country, and many international brands have regional franchising offices in Beirut. Several new and upcoming malls (Beirut Mall, Verdun 5, Beirut Souks) are in need of franchise outlets and equipment. Horeca 2008 is your chance to compare concepts, introduce your own or enter into a franchise partnership.

Considered a leader in the marketing and advertising field, Lebanon is the ideal place to promote outlets, products and services through a host of professional agencies and consultants. The Lebanese are eager to try anything new, and are trendsetters for the rest of the region. All Arab countries develop an instant interest in any product or concept that is popular in Lebanon - the region's tourism and leisure hub.

Conference venues such as the Habtoor Grand Hotel, Phoenicia InterContinental, Le Royal Beirut and the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Centre, complement the solid business infrastructure. Sea and mountain landscapes brimming with attractions, sports options, tourism activities and world-class resorts, contribute to the country's popularity as a destination for MICE tourism. A growing destination in popularity according to the World Travel Organization, Lebanon is ripe for investment opportunities as well as goods and services from abroad.

Many Lebanese have been educated in the West, speak several languages and possess commendable business and communication skills. Competence in IT, marketing, sales, customer service, business and finance is prevalent among the Lebanese. In addition, a number of hospitality schools, some with Swiss or American affiliation, are graduating bilingual workers with technical, supervisory and managerial skills. Lebanon's hospitality graduates are being snapped up by the Arab world a testament to their experience and skills. Overall, finesse and industry knowledge set the Lebanese hospitality workforce apart.

As the business hub of the Levant, Beirut attracts numerous exhibitors from the rest of the Middle East and Cyprus. Horeca 2008 is a gateway between you and destinations such as Syria, Jordan and Iraq, providing multiple opportunities to meet with regional businesspeople, update your knowledge of the area and introduce new products to a wider region.