Tourism-driven rural development in challenged governance contexts: A case from Lebanon

This study analyzes rural development governance in the Shouf El-Souayjani Union of Municipalities, a historically rich yet institutionally neglected region in Lebanon. It focuses on local institutions, policy, and stakeholder dynamics and their impact on how tourism contributes to inclusive communities. The research is based on 41 semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders, including municipality and ministry representatives, NGOs, guesthouse owners, syndicates, private sector actors, and environmental associations. The results identify key features of the setting, including institutional fragmentation, political interference, and legal gaps. However, grassroots initiatives, decentralized tourist destination management, community resilience, and capacity building are promising avenues for integrating tourism into development policymaking. Drawing upon discourses of governance and sustainability, this study validates calls for participatory planning, continuity among policymakers, and inter-sector collaboration. Moreover, it contributes to the international debate concerning rural development through tourism. It supports the UN SDGs, particularly those for 8, 11, 12, and 17.