What does your role as economic attaché at the Lebanese Embassy in Egypt entail?
I manage the economic file between Lebanon and Egypt while prioritizing the interest of Lebanese economy. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. Lebanon profits from us promoting the export of Lebanese products to the Egyptian market, whereas the Egyptian market benefits from us promoting it as a touristic destination for the Lebanese. We also encourage Egyptian investments in Lebanon when the opportunity arises and assist Lebanese investors operating in Egypt to thrive and expand, which positively impact the Lebanese economy by ensuring a sustainable return in Lebanon.
What’s happening in the local hospitality and foodservice scene?
During the past year, the hospitality and foodservice scene in Egypt has been flooded with Lebanese brands. Several establishments have opened all over Egypt, from Cairo to Gouna, promising a hot summer season on the north coast. Em sherif, Seray, L’Avenue, Ni, Loris and Semsom are just a few names that have opened in Cairo. As for Gouna, Merbey — the Lebanese fine-dining and nightlife venue — recently opened on the Red Sea. There have also been some grand openings, including Le Rouge and O by Michel Fadel on the north coast, as well as several other Lebanese food spots, such as Sax, MYU and BBQ Bros.
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
