Minister of Tourism, Ms. Laura Al-Khazen Lahoud, and President of Université La Sagesse, Professor Georges Nehme, signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a collaborative partnership between the Ministry and the university’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management. This agreement’s goal is to improve professional competencies within Lebanon’s tourism sector, with particular emphasis on refining the skills of staff at the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport in welcoming visitors.

The partnership focuses on providing specialized training for airport personnel to enhance their skills in welcoming visitors, thus contributing to the overall quality of tourism services in Lebanon. Additional joint projects will be developed at a later stage in alignment with the Ministry’s strategic priorities, supporting the sustainable development and growth of the tourism sector.

The signing ceremony took place at the university’s main campus in Furn El Chebbak, in the presence of the university’s vice presidents, the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Dr. Nour El Rachkidi, members of the university council, and the Director of the Minister’s Office, Mr. Ghassan Haddad.

Minister Lahoud affirmed the Ministry of Tourism’s interest in partnering with specialized academic institutions to advance the tourism sector, which remains one of the main pillars of Lebanon’s national economy and a true reflection of the country’s identity. She noted that Lebanese people are widely known for their hospitality, but what truly sets the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at Université La Sagesse apart is its professional approach to teaching hospitality as a specialized discipline and profession. She highlighted the value of the upcoming airport collaboration, aimed at delivering a seamless and memorable first impression that elevates Lebanon’s image as a tourist destination.

Professor Nehme highlighted the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding as a reflection of effective cooperation between the public and private sectors in serving the public interest. He also pointed out that the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at the university is the only institution in Lebanon accredited by the École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, which is ranked first globally in the field of hospitality.

Dr. Rachkidi announced that the faculty is fully committed to offering its resources and expertise to the Ministry of Tourism in order to create added value that improves Lebanon’s image when welcoming tourists to the country.