ArmInfo. The Areni community is the leader in the number of tourists in the Vayots Dzor region, as stated by Syuzanna Margaryan, head of the Areni Development Foundation, during a press conference on September 29.
Comparing this data with the overall tourist flow to Armenia, she noted that Areni accounts for approximately 10% of all tourists visiting the country. Specifically, Margaryan noted that 35,000 tourists visited Areni last year. She also pointed out that Areni has over 30 guesthouses, more than 5 gastronomic restaurants, and a new wine tasting hall opened this year. Given the high demand, according to the head of the Development Fund, Areni needs to improve its infrastructure and enhance the quality of services.
Margaryan also noted that event tourism has been a significant factor in the rise of tourism in Areni in recent years. She highlighted the the Areni Wine Festival, held for the 18th consecutive year, as an example of an event that has had a positive impact on the community, boosting economic activity and tourism. Margaryan also announced that this year's festival will be held on its traditional date: first Saturday of October, October 4, and will welcome visitors from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Recall, the World Bank is implementing the TRIP program in Armenia, which aims to create tourism clusters in seven communities across the country with a budget of ?120 million. Areni will be one of these clusters, with a specific focus on the development of enotourism (wine tourism). Other clusters include Gyumri, Goris, Dilijan, Egenis, Jermuk, and Dvin. The project is developing a roadmap for each cluster to enhance its attractiveness based on the unique characteristics of the community.
