Khachpar, 14 February 2020 - The official opening ceremony of “ART-takard” Gastro Yard took place in village Khachpar, Ararat region. 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.

Gastro Yard is a unique business model developed by the IRTD project based on a household, which integrates tourism in the daily lives of beneficiaries. The guests here can taste local food and get introduced to local people and culture. Gastro Yard concept implementation plan started back in 2018. Totally 35 new “Gastro Yards” will open their doors and became popular tourist destinations in Armenia.

‘’ART-takard’’ Gastro Yard is a unique home-based art and craft center, where guests can see handmade sculptures, learn calligraphy with specialists and explore Armenian contemporary art. Guests can also enjoy Armenian authentic food.

The event was attended by Mihaela Stojkoska, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Armenia, Garik Sargsyan, Governor of Ararat region, Robert Ghukasyan, Advisor to Prime Minister of Armenia, Dmitry Stepanov, Counselor, Embassy of the Russian Federation to Armenia.

“I am very happy that we continue opening new tourist destinations in Armenia and I am even more happy that we help rural population at the same time. Gastro Yards are really unique places, where guests can enjoy authenticity of rural environment and meet local people directly. ‘ART-takard’ Gastro Yard combines food and beverage with cultural component which makes it even more attractive for the tourists,’’ said Mihaela Stojkoska in her opening remarks.

“I am very excited to welcome you to Ararat region for this beautiful opening. ‘ART-takard’ is indeed a very unique Gastro Yard. I hope guests will enjoy their time here and leave only with good experience. Ararat region has a lot to offer to tourists and I hope that in the future we will be able to unveil its tourist potential to the fullest,” said Garik Sargsyan, Governor of Ararat region.

“Today rural tourism development is one of the most important topics for the sustainable balanced development of our country. I believe, such projects will give chance for the rural population to make tourism an income generating opportunity for sustainable development,” added Robert Ghukasyan.

“I am very happy to see another opening of Gastro Yard. 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 Stepanov.

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.

***

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.