Byurakan, 27 July 2019 - The official opening ceremony of “Byurakan Studio” and “Mnatsakanyan’s Gastro Yard” took place in Byurakan. The event was organized in the framework of Integrated Rural Tourism Development (IRTD) project, funded by the Russian Federation and implemented by UNDP in Armenia, in close partnership with the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.

Byurakan Studio is a place, where tourists can witness how the handmade paper is produced and even be involved in the process. The Studio has involved professional painters and artists who are masters of their work. It is settled in the studio of artist Ararat Sarkissian, honored artist of the Republic of Armenia. IRTD project provided Byurakan Art Studio with trainings, equipment and infrastructure support.

Gastro Yard concept implementation plan started back in 2018, when seven Gastro Yards were opened in Tavush, Vayots Dzor, Ararat and Aragatsotn regions. These are unique touristic destinations which aim to promote rural local hospitality, authentic food and beverages. Tourists will have chance to get to know local culture, people and history of Armenia.

The event was attended by Vache Terteryan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Dmitry Stepanov, Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Armenia, Dmitry Mariyasin, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, Davit Gevorgyan, Governor of Aragatsotn region, and Susanna Safaryan, Chairperson of the RA Tourism Committee. 

“Today rural tourism development is one of the priorities for equal and sustainable development of our country. I believe such projects will give an opportunity to rural population to make tourism an income generating opportunity by offering diverse services at local level,” said Vache Terteryan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.

“I hope that this place will become one of the most favorite places for tourists, where they can feel the Armenian spirit and culture,” said Dmitry Stepanov, Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Armenia.

“I am very happy to announce the openings of “Byurakan Studio” and “Mnatsakanyan’s Gastro Yard” today. I am sure that here tourists will enjoy Armenian authentic food, get to know local people, culture and will be back for new memories and adventures,” said Dmitry Mariyasin, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia.

“Aragatsotn region has a touristic potential and these kinds of destinations unveil its huge potential,” added Davit Gevorgyan, Governor of Aragatsotn region.

“With each year the number of tourists visiting Armenia increases and destinations like this only attract more tourists and make them want to come back,” said Susanna Safaryan Chairperson of the RA Tourism Committee.

The IRTD project offers an intervention strategy for the development of rural tourism in Armenia with the objective of creating sustainable income-generating opportunities as supplemental income source to

bring down the level of rural poverty, contribute to equal territorial development and shape conducive environment for rural development. The concept applies integrated approach targeting strong local social networks that explicitly link local actors for the purpose of jointly promoting and maintaining the economic, social, cultural, natural, and human resources of the localities.

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UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in nearly 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations UNDP in Armenia was established in March 1993 and supports the government in meeting its development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.