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Czech-Lebanon Friendship Week
A new beginning to strengthen ties between Lebanon and the Czech Republic
 Platinum International sponsored the first ever Czech-Lebanon
Friendship Week in Lebanon from March 10th - 15th. Seven journalists from the Czech Republic enjoyed a five-day visit to Lebanon sponsored by the Prague and Lebanese branches of Platinum International.
On Saturday March 10th, 2001, the journalists arrived in Beirut early in the morning only to grab a few hours rest as the delegation had a pre-ordained itinerary of sight-seeing, ministry visits, night-life excursions and luncheons with prominent individuals who have interests in the Czech Republic.
Platinum International combined the efforts of the Lebanese and Czech offices to plan and implement a fantastic week of fun - filled activity for the delegation of Czech journalists supported by Her Excellency Dr. Eva Filipi Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Lebanon. The aim of Platinum International is to bridge the gap and understanding of the countries that may lead to commerce and friendship
.
The journalists found themselves in the center of Beirut in the newly built Solidere area the morning of arrival.
However, the day was packed with adventure as they were scuttled off to see the ancient ruins of Byblos as well as the artistic Village of Rashana, which is the home of the sculptures of the renowned Basbous family.
The Platinum team hosted the journalists in their newly affiliated resort Sun City located in the mountains of Ajaltoun. The luxury resort is 10 minutes away from various ski resorts as well as 20 minutes from the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
Everyday excursions were planned in various historical sites of Lebanon. On Sunday March 11th the journalists were taken to Jeitta Grotto, the famous caves with beautiful stalactite formations, and then to a cable car ride at Teleferique of Lebanon to the Harissa Mountain where the Statue of the Lady of Lebanon welcomed the guests with open arms.
Platinum International hosted a Czech-Lebanese Businessman and Journalists Luncheon at the Teleferique
Restaurant in Harissa where distinguished guests included Viviane Boulos-Tolan, major shareholder of Platinum International, Michael Tolan, CEO of Platinum International, Ivan Korcak, Economic and Commercial Counselor to Her Excellency Dr. Eva Filipi, Mr. and Mrs. Fouad Boulos, Founder of the Teleferique
of Lebanon, Mr. Anwar Hajj, President of the foundation committee for the alumni from the Czech and Slovak Republic and Technical Supervisor of the Teleferique, Dr. Khalid Amsha, President of the Czech and Slovak Alumni
Association, Dr. and Mrs. Faouzi Adaimi, President of the Syndicate of Hospitals in Lebanon, Mr. Mark Jechumtal area manager for CSA for Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, and Mr. Nabil Tohme, CEO of Phora & Cie.
"The goal of this event is to strengthen the ties between the two nations and promote tourism into Lebanon," claimed Michael Tolan.
Other historical excursions included a visit to the ancient ruins of Ba'albeck and a wine tasting visit at the caves of Kefraya. However, historical excursions were not the only visits on the agenda for the delegation. The
staff of Platinum International organized a heavy morning of meetings with requested ministries for the
delegation to question concerns they had pertaining to different aspects of the trend of reconstruction and growth within Lebanon.
One of the meetings of high interest for the delegation was that with the Minister of
Tourism Dr. Karam Karam where he stressed the necessity to create bridges instead of borders between neighboring regions.
He also pledged to amend regulations so that Central and Eastern European nationals will have an easier time getting a visa into Lebanon.
He spoke of strengthening ties and building awareness of opportunities within the two nations.
The delegation also had the opportunity to attend a luncheon hosted by Her Excellency Dr. Eva Filipi. Platinum International received great help from Her Excellency in the planning of the Czech - Lebanon friendship Week.
At Her Excellency's luncheon Viviane Boulos-Tolan stated that "This
occasion is one in which we hope to
continue in the coming years." She continued saying, "we are very pleased with how the week has been going
and we are encouraged to continue working on increasing the positive awareness of the rebirth of Lebanon,
which we hope will increase the country's tourist value."
Platinum International's success will surely make the next delegation visit easier. "We want people outside to know that Lebanon has a lot of richness to offer and it is our aim to breakdown the negative stereotypes
foreigners have about this beautiful country," expressed Michael Tolan.
If you would like more information about the Czech - Lebanon Friendship Week or about Platinum International
please visit the Platinum website at http://www.platinumresorts.com
or email alyah@platinumresorts.com
February 25th, 2001
Prague, Czech Republic was the city to host Holiday World 2001 International Travel Exhibition involving over 500 exhibitors from around the world. The event took place from February 8th-11th 2001and hosted approximately 50,000 visitors.
360º TravelScape of Beirut, was proud to be the only exhibitor at this huge tourist fair to portray Lebanon as a new and exciting travel destination. 360º TravelScape named their campaign " Rediscover Lebanon-The New Destination".
The 360º? TravelScape stand stood out amongst the crowd of exhibitors in its unique appearance. The overall appearance of the stand was that of a typical Lebanese red - roofed home with a typical Lebanese k'aadi with all sorts of traditional Lebanese items such as the Narghieleh and water breek. Visitors were in awe of the beauty Lebanon had to offer and many of the by-standers were amazed that Lebanon offers both the mountains and the sea. 360º TravelScape was glad to clear away many misconceptions and stereotypes of previous reputations and focus on touristic opportunities in Lebanon.
"It was a great pleasure to represent Lebanon in this international fair. People from around the world are so curious about Lebanon. We felt it was our duty to show them the treasures of our country," said Joumana Oweida, 360º TravelScape's Marketing Manager. "We have many people who have taken an interest in traveling here and we at 360º TravelScape have given them a reason to come and see the beauty of the country themselves by meeting all their travel and accommodation needs."
A lottery was drawn every hour on the hour, sponsored by 360º
TravelScape. Over twenty lucky winners from Prague won free nights accommodation in the hotels in Lebanon. These winners were mainly locals from the Czech Republic but were eager to get their bags packed for a trip to Lebanon.
As part of its on going marketing plan, 360º TravelScape has made huge inroads in promoting Lebanon to travelers, politicians, and journalists throughout Central Europe. On the 10th of March 2001, 360º Travelscape will launch its latest international venture by hosting top journalists from the Czech Republic to view and see Lebanon as it is today. The object of this mission is to erase all doubts that previous media may have placed upon the minds of people who have not yet visited Lebanon in the 21st Century. "Our aim is to bridge the gap and understanding of the countries that may lead to commerce and friendship and tourism, that's what we need now to stimulate our economy and reclaim our rightful place on the tourist map," said Viviane Boulos-Tolan owner of 360º
TravelScape.
If you would like more information please
Contact + 961 3 338 698 Joumana Oweida
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