A Lebanese resort is hoping to boost the number of tourists by putting on an underwear and fashion show in freezing temperatures.

People in Lebanon have been taking advantage of relative political calm and mild weather in the country in an attempt to lure back tourists from the Gulf.

The snowy fashion show has been held annually in Faraya since 2004 and it has been a successful crowd pleaser.

The models, mainly from Eastern Europe, parade down the catwalk wearing the latest swimwear and lingerie by the K-Lynn brand as the audience cheered.

One of the event organisers, Tony Haswani, said: ''We organised the fashion show with the idea of contrast between underwear and snow.

"In Lebanon, the weather allows you to do such things. We tried to do it in other places, but it didn't work because of the weather.'

Mr Haswani said the annual event is good for the image of Lebanon.

Lebanon is hoping to attract three million visitors in 2009, more than double the number who visited the country last year. Officials in the industry say they don't expect the sector to be affected by the global economic slowdown.

Lingerie fashion shows are not very common in the Arab world. But Lebanon is considered by many to be the most liberal among Arab countries.

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