The Byblos International Festival Beirut – Riyad Shuman The Byblos International Festival for summer 2012, was launched Thursday, under the auspices of the Lebanese tourism minister, Fadi Abboud. The launch took place in a press conference in the Byblos Sur Mer hotel, in the presence of the culture minister, Gaby Leon, the head of the Byblos International Festival committee, Latifa al-Laqis, and the Head of the Byblos municipality, Ziad Hawat, as well as a host of media personnel.
Hawat delivered a speech, in which he presented the artistic and cultural programme for summer 2012, confirming the cultural, artistic, tourist and historical role of the city of Byblos, as well as thanking the committee of the international festivals for the efforts it exerted for the success of the event.
He stressed, that Bybols deserves all the support and effort of everyone, in tribute to the ancient residents who left their heritage, which now determines the identity of the city on the international level. He ended by announcing that the festival season will conclude with an air show, which Lebanon will witness for the first time.
For her part, Laqis said that one of the aims of the festval is  to support the economy in Byblos.
In his speech,  culture minister Gaby Leon, said  that the International Centre for Human Sciences in Byblos would, in cooperation with UNESCO, work on giving this city the rank that it deserves on the world’s cultural map. . He added that the tourism sector secures 20% of the national income, as well as offering many employment opportunities. He also stated his opinion that an additional $1 million, for the marketing of the Lebanese’s festivals outside Lebanon should be added.
The culture minister also pointed out the important role of the private sector in the development of tourism, stating that through these efforts, many achievements have been done, but still many more to aspire to.
The festival will take place from June 25 to July 25.