In August, a talented new cohort of local guides officially graduated after completing 15 intensive days of training.

Hosted at the Lebanese American University (LAU) – Byblos Campus, this joint ceremony marked the certification of both Local Guides on the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) and Trail Companions on Darb Mar Charbel (DMC).

Designed to elevate trail leadership and safety to international standards, the 15-day intensive curriculum covered a broad range of essential topics. Trainees completed extensive coursework in first aid, emergency response, physical fitness, navigation, cartography, GPS mapping, trail maintenance, meteorology, and geology.

The program also focused on the local context and conservation, introducing participants to regional flora and fauna, Leave No Trace principles, accessible tourism, history, traditional architecture, sacred geography, and site interpretation.

Guided by interactive storytelling, guide ethics, legal frameworks, and group management skills, these new leaders are thoroughly prepared for the trail.

Both the Local Guides on the LMT and Trail Companions on the DMC are now officially certified and ready to welcome international and local hikers across Lebanon’s scenic trails.

Congratulations to all the graduates!

For our association, training local guides represents far more than just acquiring technical skills. It is part of a broader vision: empowering residents to become ambassadors of their region, its history, its heritage, and its communities. Today, thanks to this training, we are proud to have six certified guides within our association. Being a guide carries a real responsibility. A guide does not simply lead a group along a trail – they share a story, build a connection with the local community, protect the heritage they present, and help provide visitors with a high-quality, authentic, respectful, and sustainable experience. For us, strengthening the skills of local guides directly contributes to preserving our heritage, enhancing the visitor experience, and developing a responsible tourism model that is deeply rooted in our village.

Rania Geagea, newly Certified DMC Trail Companion and President of the Bchaaleh Trails Association

Lebanon Mountain Trail Association website: https://www.lebanontrail.org/home
Darb Mar Charbel official website: https://www.darbmarcharbel.org/