On October 26-27, Dilijan hosted the Tourism Regional Forum, aimed at advancing tourism development and fostering new opportunities for regional collaboration. The forum featured a comprehensive agenda, including diverse discussions, innovative presentations, and platforms for professional dialogue.
Organized by Green Rock with support from the Ministry of Economy’s Tourism Committee, the event took place at the Monte Melkonyan Military Sports School. Its primary goal was to position Armenia as a premier destination for tourism and business, while promoting regional cooperation, strategic development, and sustainable growth. The conference specifically focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.
The opening discussion saw participation from government officials, representatives of international organizations, industry experts, and key stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Economy Arman Khojoyan highlighted the significance of promoting MICE tourism within the context of current global trends and noted that agrotourism should also be recognized as a viable avenue for business travel growth in Armenia.
Businessman and investor Vazgen Gevorkyan also addressed the audience, emphasizing that the issue of tourism branding in Armenia is not fully resolved. He pointed out the importance of addressing environmental concerns and enhancing the sector's investment attractiveness.
“The environment on paper may seem appealing, but it is crucial to focus on its practical implementation and suitability for investors. There is much work to be done, especially in public relations, to improve communication with individual entrepreneurs and effectively present the investment climate. Appropriate laws need to be adopted and implemented efficiently,” Gevorkyan stated.
Michelle McKenzie, head of the USAID South Caucasus Regional Tourism Program, shared insights on the characteristics and trends of MICE tourism, introducing the emerging term “bleisure,” which merges business with leisure travel.
Abdulsalam Kayali, a hospitality expert from the UAE, was visiting Armenia for the first time. He praised the country’s delicious cuisine, favorable climate, and rich array of attractions. Kayali also noted Armenia’s investment appeal for UAE entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of participation in tourism exhibitions to boost visibility.
Salvatore Procopio, a tourism expert and hospitality manager at the “Apicius International School of Hospitality” in Italy, expressed his admiration for the warmth of the Armenian people, which he found reminiscent of his own country.
“It is vital to continuously promote your brand to achieve recognition,” he stated. Procopio highlighted one of the key challenges in the sector: maintaining its attractiveness for young professionals.
The forum included panel discussions focused on “MICE Tourism in the Region: Development Opportunities” and “Innovations and Investment Opportunities in MICE Tourism Infrastructure and Services,” conducted in a lively atmosphere. Representatives from the Ministry of Economy, the Tourism Committee, the Investment Support Center, and international partners actively participated in these discussions. By the end of the day, innovative ideas and development prospects were thoroughly explored in a packed hall.
During the first day, participants had the pleasure of viewing exceptional works from Armenian designers showcased by the Fashion and Design Chamber, alongside samples of cross-stone carving and carpet-making.
The second day of the forum was dedicated to a roundtable discussion of industry challenges. Attendees included representatives from regulatory bodies, international organizations, experts, and industry leaders. Key topics focused on the obstacles, opportunities, and future prospects for MICE tourism development. The roundtable provided a valuable platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors.
In summary, participants reiterated the importance of adopting a strategic action plan and ensuring its implementation. They specifically emphasized the need for ongoing communication between the government and industry stakeholders through regular meetings to identify challenges.
The discussions and presentations from the Tourism Regional Forum will be compiled into a document and submitted to the relevant authorities to enhance the effectiveness of the forum’s activities.
For more information about "Green Rock," please visit: https://greenrock.am.
“Green Rock”
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Source: Story.KISSPR.com
Release ID: 1167520