LEBANON: BEIRUT IS FAST BECOMING A BUZZING COSMOPOLITAN CITY

Описание: (26 Dec 1997) English/Nat

Beirut is throwing off its reputation as a war zone and is fast becoming a buzzing cosmopolitan city with a lively nightlife.

With much of the city rebuilt following its 17-year war and new restaurants and bars opening up, Beirut is set to once again become the financial capital of the Middle East.

Beirut, a city once renowned for its gunfire, is now better known for the sound of bulldozers and construction work.

Seven years after the end of its 17-year war, Beirut's Central District is rising from the ashes.

Vast sections of the city which were destroyed are now being rebuilt with a planned completion by the end of the century.

The ambitious rebuilding programme includes construction of hotels, office space and residential areas.

Souks, based on the original market places, are expected to be completed by 1999, and there are plans for two marinas, seaside promenades and a green park.

Once the Middle East's main financial and recreational centre, Beirut is again attracting investment and tourists from abroad, particularly from the Gulf States.

New hotel chains are being rebuilt to replace the many destroyed during the years of fighting.

When the sun goes down in this re-emerging city, the nightlife begins.

In its pre-war years, Beirut was renowned as a playground for the rich and famous.

Now it's beginning to live up to its pre-war reputation as a swinging city.

International restaurant chains including the Hard Rock Cafe and T-G-I Fridays have recently opened.

The Casino du Liban, the glitziest symbol of Lebanon's pre-war heyday, reopened last December.

The casino hopes to revive the days of its prime, when it a hot spot for celebrities and (m) millionaires.

Another sign of Beirut's recovery, the first U-S national president of the American International College to return since 1982 took up the position in November.

In 1982, U-S nationals were banned form visiting Lebanon due to the dangers associated with living in Beirut.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"The progress that one sees having been away each time, on returning is wonderful, and I think the spirits of the country are high."
SUPER CAPTION: Gerrit M. Keator, President, International College

Tourists are once again returning, although in much smaller numbers than before the war when average annual figures well exceeded a (m) million.

In 1997, there were around 700-thousand visitors, excluding those from Syria.

Next year, the government hopes to attract a (m) million tourists to the new and improved Beirut.

Those travellers who have started to return seem pleased with what they have seen.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"This is my first time, I'm so happy to be here. Lebanon's a beautiful country."
SUPER CAPTION: Japanese visitor

Many come to see Beirut's vast archaeological heritage.

But others come for the variety of activities and climates they can enjoy without having to leave the city.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We have many friends who are Lebanese, and they have told us how beautiful Beirut was in the past and how you can go swimming and skiing all in the same day."
SUPER CAPTION: Shana Macklash, Australian tourist

After the war Lebanon invested heavily in its ski resorts, installing new lifts and building hotels and cafes.

Beirut officials are betting the return on their investment will come in the form of tourist dollars as a result of the city's new face lift.

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