The repeated and layered crisis that has been affecting Lebanon since 2019 and the recent Israeli war on the Lebanese territory have resulted in uncertainty, massive job loss, unemployment and deteriorating working conditions, especially for youth, women and people with disabilities, and in increasing challenges faced by micro, small and medium enterprises. The area of Baalbek-Hermel, historically marginalised and mostly rural and agricultural, has been hit heavier than other regions.
Tourism has always represented a crucial source of income and employment for the country, despite having been too often Beirut-centred. Despite the potential to attract tourists and the presence of the historical site of Baalbek, the area of Baalbek-Hermel suffers from marginalization due to several reasons.
The purpose of this project is To contribute to the human, economic and social development at the local level by strengthening synergies among public, private, and non-profit stakeholders, and to boost local economies through the promotion of inclusive development and business oriented to public value and social impact.
The first component, after having mapped all elements with tourism potential, will support existing enterprises through technical and financial assistance to improve productivity, diversify the tourism offer and reduce their environmental impact. In Baalbek the intervention will support businesses operating in the hospitality sector and the start-up of home-based hospitality activities. The second axis will promote new job opportunities for vulnerable individuals, who will receive vocational training courses in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The project adopts an integrated approach, involving all stakeholders and intervening at different levels to improve the tourism sector and create lasting change.
Through a participatory approach and a close collaboration with Unions of Municipalities, the intervention aims both to the revitalisation of local economies through the strengthening of economic actors.
