Since Lebanon’s financial crisis began in late 2019, the government has pinned its hopes on tourism and ex-pat support to provide relief for the ailing economy. While the country’s woes are now beyond such a simple fix, this summer’s uptick in tourism offers an opportunity for rural attractions and businesses to earn some much-needed income, which many are eager to take advantage of.

Al-Monitor received a copy of a press release in which the Tourism Ministry estimates 1.2 million visitors will enter Lebanon this season. Tourism Minister Walid Nasser told Al-Monitor at a recent news conference that they expect to generate about $4 billion in revenue. Famed for its natural beauty, culture, cuisine and history, Lebanon has much to offer both tourists and locals alike, but many don’t venture beyond the main cities or their ancestral villages.

Lebanon’s multiple crises have hit rural areas hard. With the help of ecotourism companies, rural attractions have been putting their all into drawing tourists further afield than just the capital and into the less-traveled spots to support these small local economies.

One such venture is a day trip deep into southern Lebanon recently organized by ecotourism company Tourleb, which seeks to support between three to five families with each outing and showcase some hidden gems.