Building Bridges: Tourism and Rural Enterprises Collaborate for Growth

The event united key players from Armenia’s agritourism and tourism sectors to foster cooperation and broaden the impact of rural tourism. It was held within the framework of the UNDP and FAO implemented Local Empowerment of Actors for Development in Lori and Tavush regions (LEAD) project and the FAR driven “Poverty Reduction in Tavush Region” project. The LEAD project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with FAO.

Mrs. Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Armenia, Botagoz Nartayeva, FAO Programme Coordinator in Armenia, Harutyun Gevorgyan, UNDP Project Manager, and Margarit Piliposyan, FAR Executive Director of Operations opened the event.

“Agritourism is a vital sector that not only preserves Armenia’s rich rural heritage but also serves as a powerful economic driver for our farming communities,” noted Mrs. Gevorgyan in her welcoming remarks. “By strengthening the links between farmers and tourism operators, we can unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.”

The event showcased eight agritourism service providers from Lori and Tavush regions, supported by FAO and FAR. These enterprises presented how rural tourism can diversify local economies by offering visitors and tourists experiences ranging from unique souvenirs production to attractive farm stays, traditional food production, and artisan crafts that allow visitors to engage with rural life firsthand. In many countries, similar collaborations between tourism, agriculture, and rural businesses have been key drivers of economic resilience – an approach that holds great potential for Armenia as well.

A highlight of the event was also a panel discussion on “Challenges and Solutions for farmers offering agrotourism services” by featuring experts like Mrs. Anahit Voskanyan, Representative of the RA Tourism Committee and Mr. Mekhak Apresyan, Chairperson of the Armenian Tourism Federation, etc.

The participants stressed the importance of government and private sector support in developing agritourism, enhanced marketing strategies, digital skills training for farmers, and improved infrastructure to attract both domestic and international tourists.

The event concluded with networking opportunities, allowing tourism companies, policymakers, and agritourism providers to establish new partnerships and explore possibilities for collaboration. Fostering cooperation between tourism and rural enterprises in Armenia can lead to building a resilient and dynamic agritourism sector – one that not only preserves the country’s traditions but also ensures inclusive and long-term rural economic development.

Additional Information

EU Local Empowerment of Actors for Development in Lori and Tavush regions Project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the UN Food and Agricultural Organization.

The program is being implemented in the Lori and Tavush regions of Armenia as part of the EU's "LEADER" / Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) concept. Its goal is to actively engage local actors and populations in the development process, create supporting infrastructure for local development, and improve the capabilities of relevant ministries and bodies to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the EU's CLLD approach in Armenia.

Expected outcomes of the program include the development of at least five regional development strategic plans, the formation of five Local Action Groups (LAGs), the development of skills for approximately 1000 residents to actively contribute to local development, the enhancement of skills for 70 representatives from regional and central government bodies, and the funding of about 150 local initiatives.

Additionally, within the framework of post-COVID-19 recovery measures, the project will support 160 businesses, create 200 new jobs, and provide assistance to approximately 3000 local residents.