While Arab countries have recently upheld their warnings against travel to Lebanon, there is still hope that friendlier political winds from the Gulf will allow for a good summer for tourism. Still, the past year has shown that resistance to business crises is a must for a Lebanese hospitality venture. As hotels emerge from this survival test, Executive sits down with Mazen Salha, chairman of Societe des Grand Hotels Du Liban, which owns the Phoenicia and Le Vendome hotels, to discuss the realities, challenges and enduring qualities of the business. Given your extensive experience in the hospitality sector in Lebanon, what are your thoughts on the climate that is currently dominating the hospitality sector in Lebanon? Is it the worst we have seen? It has been a rollercoaster ride ever since we have opened; we’ve become used to it and we adjust our operations accordingly. This time, however, it
