USAID, through the Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods (PSL) program implemented by the René Moawad Foundation, has unveiled the Discoveries Around Annaya cultural and religious tourism trail in Annaya, Jbeil, Mount Lebanon. This trail connects 28 cultural and religious tourist sites, creating a path designed to attract local visitors, Lebanese expatriates, and international tourists. This initiative aims to lay the foundation for a long-term sustainable tourism sector in local economies.

Commitment to Local Tourism

In her speech, USAID Lebanon Mission Director Julie Southfield emphasized USAID’s commitment to supporting local tourism and bringing economic opportunities back to rural tourist areas in Lebanon. “This trail is part of USAID’s numerous projects to support local tourism and bring visitors and economic opportunities back to rural tourist areas in Lebanon,” she said. “We remain committed to enhancing tourism infrastructure, services, and workforce in Lebanon to attract future local and international tourists.”

Enhancing cultural and economic tourism

The launch of this trail is a key element of USAID’s project titled “Enhancing Local Cultural and Economic Tourism in the Mountain Region of Jbeil District.” This project aims to enhance future cultural tourism experiences in usually overlooked villages and generate income for small businesses in Annaya, Qartaba, Yanouh, Al-Mghira, Majdel Aakoura, Aakoura, Ihmij, Mishmish, Lehfed, Jaj, Tartej and neighboring areas such as Saqi Rechmaya, known for its rich religious and historical heritage.

Keeping the Lebanese in Lebanon

MP Michel Moawad, executive director of the René Mouawad Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s motto and mission: “To keep the Lebanese in their land.” He mentioned several success stories of Lebanese in Lebanon, not just in the diaspora. The primary goal of the project is to enhance the competitiveness of tourism service providers and improve economic opportunities in the region. The second goal is to increase the attractiveness of Jbeil’s mountainous villages year-round and reduce seasonal tourism. “The region is rich in its history, heritage, nature, and culture,” he added.

Innovative features and training programs

All sites on the Discoveries Around Annaya trail are equipped with QR codes providing visitors with detailed historical, archaeological and cultural information. Additionally, USAID provided guidance to 22 micro, small, and medium-sized tourism enterprises to enhance their readiness, service quality and livelihoods. Furthermore, 40 small tourism service providers and other key stakeholders, including the Jbeil Tourism Committee and 15-20 tour guides, underwent training courses covering hospitality, marketing, promotion, and management to enhance their capacity to host future visitors.

By launching the Discoveries Around Annaya trail, USAID and its partners are paving the way for a more sustainable and economically vibrant future for Lebanon’s rural areas.