press releases 2009

USAID assists tourism industry “Beyond Beirut”

June 18, 2009

USAID continues to support tourism sector to help the Lebanese economy.  The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Denise A. Herbol with the Minister of Tourism Elie Marouni attended the launching ceremony for a tourism campaign and website, www.beyondbeirut.com, on June 17, 2009.

The new website will be used to connect the tourism marketplace to new offerings in Lebanon to be developed by the “Destination North Lebanon” tourism committee.  Implemented by the Academy for Educational Development (AED) and the Agriculture Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI-VOCA), this USAID funded program will enhance Lebanon’s ability to compete with increasing effectiveness in the tourism market. 

The project will focus on drawing Lebanese people living abroad as well as Lebanese citizens in Lebanon to come and experience the richness of their country through increased tourism.  The goals include increasing tourism by 20% throughout the country.

As a part of a $4.5 million program, this project will provide linkages and capacity building for the Destination North Lebanon Tourism Committee in addition to providing promotional campaigns and marketing technical assistance.