Beirut which is also know as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’ beats the real Paris as a tourist destination. It was ranked 20 in the list of the world’s top 25 tourist destinations according to the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism , while Paris ranked 22, National News Agency reported on Thursday .
According to “Conde Nast Traveler” magazine World 2013 Competition based on readers’ choices, “Beirut came before Paris, Melbourne, Venice and Barcelona on the list of top tourist destinations”.
“This year’s list was more comprehensive, with the participation of 1.3 million people,” the “Conde Nast” report revealed, describing Beirut as “Paris of the Middle East- having a lot to offer to tourists seeking the best restaurants and clubs.”
“In Beirut, there exists a “tapestry of sects, religions, and lifestyles that provide a feast for the mind of the intellectual.” The magazine wrote.
The capital of Lebanon has “much to offer the adventurous traveler.” Find “exotic cuisine and cocktails” at the “most exclusive clubs in the world” , one Conde Nast Traveler reader commented.
The Ministry of Tourism pointed out in its statement that this is not the first time Beirut is chosen as a top tourist destination. “Beirut was considered by the New York Times as number one tourist destination in 2009; and was elected as the capital city that never sleeps by the Financial Times,” the statement added.
The ministry added: “Beirut is still a top worldwide tourist destination because of its great civilization, its diversity and its wealth.”
The Lebanese capital is a meeting place for international events thanks to its universities, its hotels, hospitals, its trade activities, and the recreation centers it has, the statement added.
List of top cities in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler survey
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2. Budapest, Hungary
2.Florence, Italy
4. Salzburg, Austria
5. Charleston, South Carolina, United States
5.San Sebastián, Spain
7. Vienna, Austria
8. Rome
9. Siena, Italy
10. Québec City
11. Cape Town, South Africa
11.= Bruges, Belgium
13. Vancouver, Canada
14. Kyoto, Japan
15.Prague, Czech Republic
15. Kraków, Poland
17. Victoria, Canada
17.Sydney
17.Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
20.Seville, Spain
20. Beirut, Lebanon
22. Paris
22. Melbourne, Australia
24.Venice, Italy
24.Barcelona, Spain
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