Khaberni - Video clips that spread on social media platforms caused widespread anger in Lebanon, after showing scenes from a wedding held inside the Jeita Grotto, the famous natural landmark in the country.
Jeita Grotto is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Lebanon and has been specially cared for over the years with the goal of protecting it from any activity that might threaten its integrity, given its importance as a natural symbol known as "Lebanon's natural wonder".
The circulating videos showed a group of people inside the cave, which is overseen by the Ministry of Tourism, dancing to music, which caused widespread anger among users who considered that the event constitutes a clear violation of the laws regulating entry to this site.
In response to the controversy, the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism issued a statement confirming that it had signed a contract with Jeita Municipality temporarily granting the municipality the authority to manage, operate, and maintain the Jeita Grotto facility.
The ministry clarified in its statement that the mayor of Jeita had verbally communicated with the Minister of Tourism and suggested holding a celebration inside the grotto, without providing full details about the nature and content of the activity, noting that the minister affirmed that "any event of this nature requires a written request from the municipality to the ministry".
The Ministry continued stating, "The municipality allowed the organization of the celebration without submitting a written request to the ministry and without sharing any of the contracts or financial revenue summaries related to the event."
The ministry mentioned that it will send an official warning to Jeita Municipality specifying the violations committed and requesting full compliance with the contractual and ethical obligations related to managing and operating the Jeita Grotto.
