During a press conference on Monday, Tourism Minister Joseph Sarkis declared that he would soon begin a tour in Arab countries to urge them to lift their travel warnings on Lebanon. The Lebanese are used “to hosting their Arab neighbours", and they are still hoping to host them again, he explained. "Lebanon is the safest country in the world", he told the journalists.

During the conference, Sarkis stressed the cultural, historical, and environmental attractions that make Lebanon so special in the region.
The conference also tackled the closure of 16 pubs and restaurants in the Gemmayzeh area, a decision that was made by the Tourism Ministry in March. The Tourism Minister explained that this decision was made after local residents complained to the government about “street noise”, “lower sound level” and “the actions of valet services” that are operating in the area.

During a protest, "We saw residents out in their nightgowns and pajamas demonstrating against excess disturbances", the Tourism Minister explained. “Nine businesses, who did not have either a license or even a licensing request filed at the ministry - were shut down immediately, as were establishments disregarding the warnings issued by the ministry earlier”, he added, explaining that restaurants and pubs operating with no license will have to formally submit a licensing request to the Ministry. That will allow the government to evaluate whether these pubs and restaurants meet required standards of operation.