This article forms part of a series of publications under MEDUSA project to promote less-known natural and cultural touristic assets in our partner territories Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Puglia (Italy) and Catalonia (Spain).

Enjoy reading and hope to welcome you soon at one of the wonderful places you will get to know here.

As part of its efforts to enhance adventure tourism products and experiences in the Mediterranean, the MEDUSA project launched “the Mediterranean sub-grant Adventure Tourism Competition” on November 11, 2021 in the different countries. Through financial and technical support, the competition does not only aim to promote innovative and high-quality tourism packages and experiences but it also aims to enhance the already existing, lesser-known ones. Eddy Bitar, tourism expert and founder of Live Love talked about the impact of the competition in Lebanon initiated and led by the René Moawad Foundation, MEDUSA project's implementing partner in Lebanon.

1-  How will these projects help Medusa project achieve its objectives?

The projects will generate demand for tourism in Lebanon, especially adventure tourism. Together, they will create a space for novel activities in Lebanon and could even promote regional integration and cross-cultural cooperation. Such projects will showcase the various activities unique to Lebanon and its singular landscapes, and they could vitalize tourism across the country. Not to mention, they will create job opportunities for the local communities.

We were enthralled by the projects proposed! Many of them are very innovative and have the potential to boost the adventure tourism sector thanks to renewed demand, which in turn, was generated by the unique and innovative approach that prospective sub-grantees will implement.

Picture 1 - Follow-up training session for the applicants 

2) How will the Lebanese projects that receive sub grants put Lebanon on the map?

Such projects could help enhance destinations that meet the increasing demand for Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism. The development of guesthouses across the country, for example, would create economic opportunities and put traditionally neglected regions on the map, thereby reinvigorating them.

Most of the projects were developed by passionate experts in the field of Adventure tourism.

It is nice to see that the implementers are full of passion and total professionals. We are also thrilled to see new initiatives developed by the implementers and an innovative approach aimed at re-discovering sports in new diverse regions.

Picture 2 - Bchaaleh Trails, Batroun, Lebanon

3) How are these projects promoting Lebanon’s Adventure tourism potential?

Lebanon’s environmental diversity sets the stage for an extremely wide array of activities taking place simultaneously, which creates off-season opportunities and activities, which would create year-round tourism and economic growth.

By creating new experiences in a unique and innovative way and shedding light on new types of Adventure tourism activities, we aim to reach new audiences and develop new opportunities for those working in Lebanon’s tourism sector.

Most of the projects take into consideration the regions’ history and unique geographical characteristics. This new incentive for adventure tourism will lead to a bigger capacity of absorption with a new demand and newer opportunities. It would also offer economic benefits to the region, with a return on investment both direct and indirect, thanks to the integrality of the region in question.