Holding an MA degree in tourism engineering and management combined with an extensive experience of 17 years in alternative and adventure tourism, I am the first and only Lebanese mountain leader trained and certified by the "Federation Francaise de Randonnee Pedestre", I am also trained and certified as a "Winter Search and Rescue leader"  by the Norwegian Red Cross. I have done numerous trekking excursions around the globe. I believe in tourism as a means for developing rural communities, and it is reflected through my input in:33 North as a managing director.33 North is a tour operator specialized in alternative tourism and sustainable development.AREMDT as Middle East coordinator.AREMDT is a Mediterranean network specialized in solidarity tourism; Advisor and consultant for different national and regional NGOs.