USAID Lebanon: From the American People
 

PRESS RELEASE

USAID LAUNCHES HAND-HELD NAVIGATION GUIDES TO TOURIST SITES IN LEBANON

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Beirut, Lebanon

Media Notice
For Immediate Release

Beginning this summer, visitors to Lebanon will be able to use hand-held GPS devices to find tourist sites and neighboring businesses throughout the country. The devices, called PDA Guides, will be launched at the Ministry of Tourism on July 10th at 11:00am. The project is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development in partnership with the International Executive Services Corps, the Ministry of Tourism and the Federation of Touristic Syndicates.

The PDA Guides have 11,000 destinations programmed into them, complete with maps, route plans, estimated times to arrival and information on businesses in the area. Seventy of them will be distributed to hotels and other tourist organizations to loan, free of charge, to tourists visiting Lebanon.

With the device, visitors can explore remote sites and never get lost. They can locate the nearest bank, restaurants and shops in seconds. The technology will help Lebanon, blessed with many natural attractions, to penetrate the growing eco-tourism industry, bringing money and jobs to rural areas.

The PDA Guides are part of a larger USAID program to promote tourism and jobs in rural Lebanon using information and communications technology. The program helps ICT firms increase their exports, gives rural businesses affordable internet access, and helps the tourism industry use technology to attract new visitors, and expand businesses and income.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. In Lebanon, USAID creates jobs, invests in youth and protects the environment. With funds from the American people, USAID provides $40 million in assistance a year, working in partnership with Lebanese and U.S. organizations. USAID’s work reflects the strong friendship between the Lebanese and American people. For more information about USAID’s projects in Lebanon, visit USAID’s website www.usaidlebanon.org.lb.

Public Affairs Office – Press Section
P.O. Box: 70-840 Antelias
Tel: 961-4-542600; Fax: 961-4-544861
E-mail: PASBeirut@State.gov ; Web Page: http://lebanon.usembassy.gov