Following the roundtable discussions that took place at the tourism conference on February 20th, 2018, recommendations were derived on how to develop the tourist sector in Baalbeck-Hermel, and intensify efforts among all sectors to remove obstacles that hinder tourism development.
It was recommended to create a tourist coordination committee for the Baalbeck-Hermel region, which plays a role in developing a tourist guide for the region, in coordination with the official departments, the private sector, NGOs, festivals committees, and investors. It was suggested that this committee be headed by the governor of Baalbeck-Hermel. The first mission is to invite active travel agents to visit the region’s attractive tourist areas targeting Lebanese and foreign tourists.
Additionally, it was suggested to improve infrastructure at all levels (transportation, water, sanitation, cleaning, waste management, lighting tourist places, etc.), through the development of a strategic plan, in coordination between the ministries concerned. Also, there is a need for the development of a strategy entitled “Environmental Tourism Development”, which is in coordination between official institutions, municipalities, and CSOs, aimed at: protection of unclassified and unknown tourist places from infringements, establishment of training centers for environmental tour guides, activating various kinds of eco-tourism enjoyed by the region, such as fishing tourism, foot tourism, and others.
Furthermore, it is recommended to support various tourist magazines (cultural, heritage, astronomical, religious, and artistic) aimed at introducing the various aspects of the region. This can be done in ways such as establishing an astronomical observatory in Baalbeck, implementing a cultural trail that introduces the cultural landmarks of the region, etc.
Implementing tourism education programs that are aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of culture in the region is also essential, starting with educating students about tourism and its development by allocating a number of classes to talk about the history of the region and encouraging students to visit tourist attractions.
Tourist guidance offices in the region and the establishment of tourism programs is also necessary, which aim at facilitating the tourist to travel between tourist places in a convenient and efficient manner. Additionally, creating a brochure that includes all the tourist places in the region will be beneficial to all tourists.
Moreover, it was recommended to open professional educational and training institutions dedicated to tourism services, such as: the arts of sculpture, painting, music, and folklore art, tourist police academy, training of residents around tourist attractions. In addition, it is essential to support the community through the support of municipalities and NGOs, and to encourage volunteer work.
Strengthening the official/governmental presence in the region, and decentralization through the opening of branches of state institutions and ministries will facilitate the follow-up of the administrative problems experienced by tourism, such as civil and administrative planning, facilitation of licensing in the tourism sector, setting up and following laws to protects tourists, and increasing financial allocations for tourism.
Finally, it is recommended to set up a media plan at the highest level. Also, developing a comprehensive security plan that provides security and civil stability is highly critical, and will aim at protecting citizens and tourists.
