USAID implements a USD 41 million rural development program in Lebanon

The US Ambassador to Lebanon, David Hale, indicated that his embassy has, through the USAID, already trained 40 local tourist guides and set up 11 hostels and worked with some 50 municipalities and 10 NGOs in communities in the vicinity of Lebanese Mountain Trail (LMT) in order to highlight the benefits of this area and its potentials for rural tourism.  The US ambassador also highlighted the importance of culinary art as a way to attract tourists and hence the collaboration with Souk el Tayeb. Hale's statement was made during the exhibition of Travel Lebanon which was held within the program of activities of the Garden Show.  Hale added that USAID launched a new project worth USD 41.7 million USD which extends over five years and aims at developing products which attract local and rural tourism.  He also added that this project will create work opportunities in the areas where it will be implemented.
Source: Al-Hayat 30 May 2014