Papoyan on Developing Gastronomic Tourism and Industry Support
— Mr. Papoyan, what steps are being taken to support restaurants and hotels?
— At present, there are no active programs to assist hotels and food service enterprises; however, both Armenia’s hospitality facilities and food service establishments actively participate in activities carried out within the framework of the annual program of the Tourism Committee.
In particular, we cooperate closely with hotel service representatives and food service operators through familiarization visits by foreign journalists and bloggers, as well as through organized MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) events, including those held jointly with international organizations. Gevorg Papoyan.
— Is there a strategy to promote Armenia as a gastronomic destination?
— The Tourism Committee of Armenia is currently developing a five-year strategy for the sector, in which gastronomic tourism (including wine tourism) will be recognized as a priority area of development. The strategy will include corresponding actions and events to develop this sector and to position Armenia as a country of gastronomic tourism. Gevorg Papoyan.
— Are there plans to enhance the tourism infrastructure, particularly at Lake Sevan?
— In order to improve the tourism infrastructure in Armenia, it is planned to implement a cluster system, within which, together with the World Bank, 20 tourism clusters are planned to be created, one of which is planned for the Sevan area (the Gagarin Tourism Cluster).
At the current stage, work is underway to develop the concepts for the first-phase clusters and to improve the corresponding infrastructure. In the subsequent stages, work is planned to develop and enhance the Gagarin Cluster. Gevorg Papoyan.
— What measures to attract investment in restaurants and hotels currently exist or are planned?
— The main goal of Armenia’s investment policy is to create a favorable investment and business environment, enhance the transparency of the regulatory framework, reveal the country’s competitive advantages, and increase investment.
The Government of Armenia is implementing comprehensive reforms of the business environment, offering favorable conditions for foreign investors and entrepreneurs, including through various support instruments. Gevorg Papoyan.
— What support measures for winemakers and restaurateurs are expected in 2025?
— To promote Armenian wines abroad, the Government of Armenia, through the Vineyard and Winemaking Fund, is implementing a comprehensive approach that includes a variety of activities. In particular, Armenian wines participate in high-profile international exhibitions, roadshows, tastings, competitions, and B2B meetings, which helps increase their recognition and boost demand in foreign markets;
— How do you plan to promote Armenian wine abroad?
— To strengthen the position of Armenian wines on the international stage, the Fund hosts international winemaking conferences, collaborates with reputable wine experts and journalists, and invites them to Armenia to become acquainted with the rich heritage of Armenian winemaking.
Thanks to these initiatives, Armenian wines regularly appear in the pages of leading global publications and popular blogs. In addition, the online platform winesofarmenia.store has been launched, which not only simplifies access for Armenian wines to the European market but also ensures their delivery to dozens of European countries within a few days.
An important area of the Fund’s activity is the development of wine tourism in Armenia. As part of strategic programs, courses are organized to train wine guides, and support is provided for the hosting of wine festivals.
These activities contribute to an increased flow of wine tourists and stimulate domestic consumption of Armenian wines. Thanks to this holistic approach, based on high quality, unique heritage, and innovation, Armenian wines confidently occupy a prominent place in international markets.
