The Covid-19 pandemic has hit tourism industry, affecting the livelihoods of people and the whole economy. Tourism managers seek for recovery plans to attain more sustainable tourism destinations. Hence, investing in protected areas is considered a vital tool for rural development and for building greener and safer tourism destination. Lebanon has significant unexploited potentials of natural assets presenting a dynamic background for ecotourism investments. Boosting protected areas in Lebanon may contribute to the development of sustainable tourism and strengthen the tourism industry. Shouf Biosphere reserve presents a worthy background for improved eco-tourism management to lessen the impact of reduced tourists’ influx to the region on locals living around.