In 2024, the Med Trails Network (MTN), supported by the consulting firm AGEG, conducted a benchmark study exploring income-generating initiatives (IGAs) for trail organizations and rural communities in Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and beyond.
The results are clear: well-managed hiking trails can become powerful drivers of sustainable development—creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and improving the resilience of rural territories.
Trail Management Organizations (TMOs) share similar challenges
Across 48 case studies worldwide, most trail organizations face three common obstacles:
- Financial instability and difficulty sustaining core operations.
- Limited organizational structures and governance models.
- Lack of monitoring systems to understand visitors’ profiles and expectations.
The good news: every single case study demonstrated at least one good practice that helps address these challenges.
Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Co-Operative, Jordan Trail
No Single Solution—But a Mix of Smart Strategies
The study confirms that there is no universal model for trail-based economic development.
Success depends on combining different types of income strategies—both direct and indirect—adapted to each context and community.
The study also underlines that the global boom in hiking tourism comes with growing competition between destinations. To remain visible and attractive, Med Trails must innovate and design products that reach new audiences with diverse motivations (cultural experiences, culinary journeys, outdoor adventure, nature immersion, etc.).
Inspiring examples of successful IGAs include:
- Authentic local products & gastronomy.
- Thematic guided tours & cultural experiences.
- Quality accommodation and soft-mobility services.
- Trail passports, partner systems, sponsorships, or donation programmes.
These initiatives not only support trail organizations but create real economic opportunities for rural families, youth, and women entrepreneurs. These stories illustrate how trails can help rural areas become more attractive places to live, work, and invest.
Cycling Palestine, Ramallah, Palestinian Heritage Trail
What makes a Trail economically successful?
Three key parameters shape the economic impact of a hiking trail:
- Number of visitors
- Type of visitors (their motivations and spending habits)
- Length of stay
To improve these, the study highlights essential success factors:
Note: Among hikers, two needs consistently come first: Good sleep and good food! Knowing that a hiker might look for warmth rather than standard comfort.
Key success factors also include well-organized visitor services (information, booking, transport), clear signposting and quality trail infrastructure, authentic local experiences and products.
Through this study, the Med Trails Network has developed monitoring tools and a tailor-made quality trail performance checklist to help TMOs assess and strengthen these dimensions.
Local products & rural activities / Cezar’s Projects, Lebanon Mountain Trail
What’s Next for the Med Trails Network?
This benchmark study is more than a report—it is a practical guide for innovation.
It offers tools, recommendations, and examples to help Mediterranean trail organizations:
- Strengthen their economic models.
- Support local communities.
- Innovate to attract new audiences.
- Build sustainable, high-quality trail experiences.
The full study will be shared on request and through upcoming MTN events and working groups.
If interested, please contact us at contact@medtrailsnetwork.org