Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and Bulgaria to create integrated tourism network

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS: With the “Innovative rural tourism promotion” program Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and Bulgaria will create an integrated tourism network. Armenpress reports that the program is implemented by Heifer Armenia Organization with the assistance of the European Union. The Program Coordinator of “Innovative rural tourism promotion” Anna Arakelyan stated that the program will last for 18 months, during which works will be carried out with the four countries’ tourist companies and agencies, as well as the public administration bodies and the international organizations.

“On all the levels we intend to have cooperation and integration and different kinds of meetings and discussions. Courses on service providers' capabilities and skills training will be held for the local companies. There will be visits to promote the exchange of experience at the level of the travel agencies”, - said Anna Arakelyan.

Since 1999, Heifer International’s Armenia program has assisted more than 10,000 families in building small, viable farm businesses. The company works to improve the socio-economic situation of vulnerable families through investing in rural communities and working with those communities to find solutions to economic, social and ecological problems.The principles guide them to encourage the spirit of self-reliant Armenian families. They advance small farm renewaland strengthen economic cooperation in the region. Heifer Armenia’s impact results in a network of capable, economically productive farming families who contribute to the growth, health and wealth of Armenia.

Along with Heifer Armenia’s direct small farm and community development investments, the company is committed to working with the country’s rural youth. A partnership with Development Principles NGO and other forward thinking organizations allows them to establish and successfully run 29 youth clubs that benefit 2,200 children a year. These extracurricular clubs focus on developing skills in agriculture, ecology, civic education and rights, journalism, healthy lifestyles, logical thinking and business. As a result, Heifer Armenia creates a countrywide rural network that trains Armenia’s youth to become peer leaders and educators. They believe in Armenia’s youth and are dedicated to help them create a prosperous future for Armenia.