Jounieh to host tourist port

A larger port slated for the area

Jounieh launched works today to transform its main port into a tourist attraction, able to receive 600 passengers a day.

The Port of Jounieh used to carry passengers out of the country during the Civil War but today it only serves the shipping industry. Its transformation will include the establishment of a passenger hall and a center for general security and customs.

Jounieh Mayor, Antoine Frem said: “Jounieh will no doubt benefit from the port’s development because its hotels, restaurants, malls, and commercial outlets will grow and prosper.”

The $500,000 project, which is slated to be completed in 2015, will be undertaken jointly by the municipality and the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation.

The port had a trial run last summer, when it received tourist charters from Turkey. Once the port has been fully equipped, it would be able to receive charters from Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt.

The Municipality of Jounieh is also preparing to develop a larger tourist port, to be located between the Army port and the Portemilio beach resort, in Kaslik. This port will cost around $40 million and would attract mega charters able to transport 2,000 tourists, according to a study by the Germany-based BMT.