12th Sept 2011
Beirut, 12th Sept 2011 –The Phoenicia Hotel Beirut celebrated its 50th anniversary by offering a one of a kind event, the likes of which has never been hosted before in any luxury hotel in Lebanon. For their golden jubilee, the Phoenicia created a festival in tribute to Beirut, from Thursday 15th of September till the 18th, by exhibiting some of our nation’s most gifted artists and performers. The festival of creative arts enthralled all the hotel guests and visitors alike, who were taken aback by the wide range of works exhibited throughout the hotel.
50 years ago, the most recognized Hotellerie landmark in the country and the region, the Phoenicia Beirut opened its doors to the world in 1961. Born of Najib Salha’s vision, the hotel was to be a monument that would set a standard of Lebanese hospitality and taste, a proud edifice representative of Beirut’s glamour and taste on the shores of Mediterranean.
“La Grande Dame”, as the Phoenicia was baptized not long after its opening 1961, was truly at its most glamorous on Thursday, with the members of InterContinental’s global management team in attendance with the owners, Mr. Mazen & Marwan Salha, as well as His Excellency the Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The Prime Minister gave a speech at the opening ceremony of the event, honoring the hotel for this historical achievement and continued success in representing the nation.
“What better way to celebrate such a momentous event, then by creating a tribute festival for Phoenicia’s host city, Beirut” stated the hotel’s General Manager, Mr. George Weilaender. “Being that Beirut is the region’s capital of creativity and inspirational leader for so many, it was only fitting that we celebrate with Beirut the 50th of such a great landmark” he added. Mr Weinlaender, was literally on hand at the launch, pressing the button that covered the whole of Phoenicia in purple light.
The festival presented exhibitors from the worlds of fashion, art, jewelry, architecture, dance and musical performers, from both established and upcoming artists from all ages. From Mashrou3 Leila’s concert by the Amethyste Pool, to Guy Manoukian’s special appearance at Eau De Vie, to the scintillating jewelry designed for Charlene de Monaco by famed Lebanese jeweler Tabbah, the four day exhibition attracted foreign press, dignitaries, hotel visitors as well as locals who were amazed by the activity and art that was offered. It was a celebration to be remembered, and we all look fwd to the next 50 years with great anticipation.