Over the span of five weekends, the ARYAF program hosted media figures from across the Lebanese industry for tours of its beneficiaries’ sites, services, offerings, and unique innovations in Lebanon. This initiative provided a memorable journey, spotlighting Lebanon’s cultural, historical, and entrepreneurial landscapes through immersive experiences at some of the country’s most captivating destinations. The main aim behind the tours was to show the thriving businesses within rural areas, providing increased media exposure by outlets and influencers to businesses away from urban centers.
Weekend 1: Chouf Region
For the first weekend, participants explored diverse areas of the Chouf region, starting at IRIS Domain in Beit Bhamdoun. Attendees were welcomed with a delightful lunch featuring local delicacies. The journey continued to Kahf el Founoun, where everyone got to enjoy the museum’s rich artistic and cultural exhibits. The first day concluded at the serene Beit El Qamar, where participants enjoyed a nice sunset and dinner.
Weekend 2: Bekaa Valley
On the second weekend, a new group of participants explored the Bekaa Valley and its cultural heritage – starting with Bayt el Kroum and followed by a visit to Coteaux du Liban to learn about the process of locally producing wine. Lunch at the cozy Blat coffee shop provided a relaxing break before everyone headed to Cave Abou Hanna for a second winery tour. The day ended with a charming dinner at Al Hawch, offering a taste of the region’s local cuisine.
Weekend 3: Northern Lebanon
The northern leg of the tour began on June 8 at Soha Village Resort, where participants were greeted with an engaging presentation and a delightful lunch. This third weekend continued at Drink on the Side for some refreshing beverages in a laid-back atmosphere. This tour’s evening was spent in Al Fundok, a quaint accommodation to end the stay on a relaxing and warm note.
Weekend 4: Central Lebanon
Central Lebanon’s agricultural heritage was highlighted throughout weekend 4, with visits to Saj Rima and Al Jawbi, where participants enjoyed welcoming presentations and breakfasts, followed by a lunch. The tour proceeded to FarmVille Barouk – Cesar Projects, where the group settled in for the evening.
Weekend 5: Western Lebanon
Finally, weekend 5 unveiled Western Lebanon’s charm through a bike tour in the village of Saghbine. After a visit to the Saghbine Bungalows, the day concluded at Center Giselle – Al 3ayn – with refreshing drinks, a closing note, and a group photo. The group concluded the weekend with an overnight stay on site, marking the end of the 5 memorable media tours.
The tours successfully showcased Lebanon’s vibrant cultural and entrepreneurial landscape. Through engaging presentations, immersive experiences, and extensive media coverage, ARYAF was able to highlight the country’s potential for tourism and sustainable development, promoting its beneficiaries’ hidden gems and innovative ventures. By focusing on rural areas, the ARYAF media tours provided crucial visibility to cultural and agricultural businesses, helping to bridge the gap between urban and rural economic growth and fostering a deeper appreciation for Lebanon’s diverse offerings.
About ARYAF
ARYAF program serves MSMEs in the sectors of food processing, local hospitality, tourism, restaurant, eco-tourism, and agri-tourism in the regions of Bekaa and Mount Lebanon, with a focus on increasing sales volume, implementing a business continuity plan, and providing training to staff, including youth, women, and disabled individuals in rural areas.
The program is funded by The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with Berytech, within the framework of the project Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities, and Small and Medium Enterprises (ACE).
