TLB Destinations Sustainability

At the start of the day, a group of our clients went on a traditional fishing expedition in a small coastal village situated on Lebanon’s shores. The activity, called Experiencing a Fisherman's Day in Lebanon, is a special occasion that allowed guests to experience the country’s rich fishing heritage firsthand. With the aid of TLB Destinations, this activity brought guests closer to Lebanon’s maritime traditions and was done sustainably so as not to harm the ecosystem. Getting Involved In Fishing Activities With experienced fishermen as steeping guides, the clients went out into the sea and cast nets and lines using sustainable fishing practices. They learned about the growing issue of overfishing while working in tandem with the locals. This experience showed how beneficial small-scale fishing can be to ecosystems when practiced over large-scale fishing. Transition to Modern Coastal Culture The clients engaged in conversation about the cultural relevance of coastal communities in Lebanon and the fishing history of the place. While providing accounts of the industry, the fishermen spoke of their forebearers and the threats posed by the environment in modern times. The clients were more appreciative of how these places and communities manage to sustain themselves. Experiencing a Fisherman's Day in Lebanon serves as a reminder of the resilience of these communities and the importance of preserving their way of life. An Underwater Feast Once back on land, the group got together to relish the seafood which had been made the Arabic way—grilled, spiced, and enhanced with fresh local ingredients. The meal served here is truly a form of celebrating responsible fishing, and it cements the relationship between sustainable practices and the quality of food on the table…

Just a while ago, our clients had a rare chance of getting into a cozy, hospitable Lebanese household, accompanied by the beloved scents of food simmering in the kitchen. The beats of music wafting through the house served as a perfect backdrop for what was to be an amazing evening. This event, known as the Lebanese Home Dinner Experience, was prepared by TLB Destinations, enabling the guests to engage with the locals, sharing laughter and stories through music in a private setting. It was about experiencing the beauty of Lebanon, not just sightseeing. It was about what the country had to offer its visitors. An Evening of Real Encounters Guests had the chance to observe the cooking process, and even their first meal was accompanied by fascinating conversations with their hosts about life, work, and customs. Every dish was served along with a story, and every conversation further enhanced the traveler’s knowledge of Lebanese culture. As the evening went on, the beat of old instruments echoed through the room, encouraging everyone to join in for some singing and dancing. That moment proved to be the best of all; no boundaries separated the visitors from the locals. One thing was clear—everyone was ecstatic. Intimacy with Culture on Another Level This Lebanese Home Dinner Experience offered a wonderful insight into the lifestyle of Lebanese people, facilitating a multi-faceted cultural exchange. Visitors left with so much more than photographs. They genuinely appreciated the way they were received and the myriad of traditions that shaped daily life. This personal encounter opened doors for travelers to absorb the essence of local households, making a lasting impression long after the voyage. Emphasis on a Set of Rules by TLB Destinations to Enable Responsible Tourism…

CIFA continues to target remote regions in Lebanon as part of their economic development and sustainable tourism strategy. Empowering Rural Lebanon Through Tourism is a key initiative that seeks to revitalize these areas by providing economic opportunities. The rural areas in Lebanon suffer due to limited economic prospects, but the tourism sector can offer much-needed income while protecting existing culture and biodiversity. CIFA supports the integration of travel and tourism by allowing rural populations to actively participate in its benefits and ensuring that foreign tourists receive a positive and fascinating culturally immersive experience. How CIFA Supports Rural Communities In an effort to develop tourism in Lebanon’s rural areas, CIFA has diversified their approach and targets a range of regions with tourism potential. Promoting Locally-Owned Guesthouses: CIFA encourages rural families to set up guesthouses and helps promote their utilization among tourists, providing a source of income while offering a glimpse into authentic Lebanese architecture. Employing Local Guides: Tourists are best served by well-informed and trained local guides, which, in turn, helps create employment for residents. Highlighting Traditional Crafts and Agriculture: The incorporation of craft workshops and farm tours into tourism not only provides artisans and farmers with new market opportunities but also encourages skill development and sustainable agriculture practices. The Effect on Local Communities These projects by CIFA have had a beneficial impact in rural areas of the country. Employment Creation: Many families from isolated parts of Lebanon depend on tourism as their main economic activity, creating job opportunities for them and motivating young…

CIFA: Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Lebanon is a proactive agent in sustainable tourism by fostering economic benefits for host communities, both for the protection of Lebanon’s natural and cultural resources. This is what led the founders of TLB Destinations to establish CIFA – Centre pour l’Incorporation par la Formation et l’Activite in 2005 to promote responsible tourism and employment in Lebanon. CIFA has emerged as a pioneer in training, conservation, and rural development since its inception. It has enabled tourism to be beneficial both for the tourists and for the local population. How CIFA Was Founded CIFA was launched by TLB Destinations, which is one of the top tour operators in the Middle East focusing on adventure and cultural programs, with the French SAPAEF 94 in their efforts to integrate tourism with sustainable development. For the travel industry in Lebanon to flourish, it is imperative that the environment and people are taken care of. It is CIFA’s bridge mission to train the unemployed in remote areas, incorporate the rural population into tourism, and promote tourism in a responsible manner. Role of CIFA in Sustainability Program CIFA: Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Lebanon implements and supports sustainability in several areas. A few are mentioned below: Tour Leader Training: CIFA offers adequate tourist guides training programs that promote responsible tourism, ecological conservation, and heritage preservation. This enables them to inspire and teach travelers the importance of taking care of the environment. Community Engagement: Integration of locally owned accommodation facilities, restaurants, and transportation services into the tourism programs is made possible by CIFA working with rural communities. This ensures the tr…