Major Lebanese businesses, such as Aïshti, Bank Audi, ABC, Patchi, MEA, BankMed, InterContinental Phoenicia, Virgin Megastore, Global Refund and CityMall have joined forces in a new campaign dubbed “Bhebak Bil Rabih,” (I Love You in Spring.) Promoting Lebanon as a tourist and shopping destination in a conference held on March 1, business owners highlighted the activities planned, including fashion shows, festivals, prizes, car giveaways and more. Participants took, however, a stern stance against both the Lebanese government and politicians, who were taxed with irresponsibility for their failure to solve the ongoing political deadlock paralyzing the BCD (Beirut central district) since the beginning of December. “In this year alone, we have witnessed a 70% drop in activity. We’re currently trying to compile loss estimates, while our lawyers study different options, including a possible lawsuit,” said Tony Salameh, chairman of the Aïshti department stores. “A committee mainly responsible for looking into rental,
