1.
CU AND SV Women and men enter sea and swim in Jounieh, Lebanon. (2 shots)
0.13

2.
GV Crowds skiing at Eyoun El Siman Faraya. (2 shots)
0.30

3.
LV AND CU People on ski lift. (2 shots)
0.38

4.
SV Child playing in snow.
0.40

5.
GV AND SV Ski slope with man skiing. (2 shots)
0.54

6.
SV Man learning to ski falls over.
1.00

7.
CU Small child skiing.
1.04

8.
TV AND GV People seated on terrace watching skiers. (2 shots)
1.22



Initials VS 17.30



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Tourists and holiday-makers are coming back to Lebanon as the country's life slowly returns to normal after the 19 month long civil war. They face a shortage of accommodation because many hotels were badly damaged during the recent fighting. But the country's natural attractions remain unchanged.

SYNOPSIS: The climate in Lebanon, with mild winter on the coast but abundant snow in the hill country has been attracting many foreign visitors. The beach in Jounieh is crowded again. One can enjoy swimming or water skiing in the morning...

... and then, later in the day, practice some winter sports at the nearby Eyoun El Siman Faraya.

Lebanon used to be the tourist centre in the Middle East. Scenic beauty, sunshine and historical sites are the main attractions. Before the recent outbreaks of fighting, about two million tourists visited the country every year. The glamorous sea-front hotels were the rendezvous of jet-set princes and film stars. But in Beirut only one of many celebrated international hotels has escaped serious damage.

Lebanese believe, however, that the jet set will be back. Lebanon's vigorous business community is getting down to work again as part of the reconstruction effort that follows the war. The country's banks are open and many of the international companies which withdrew business during the war are returning. And the Lebanese pound has lost surprisingly little of its value against the United States dollar.