COAF, the EU, the BMZ and GIZ to Bolster Tourism in the Lori Region

COAF in cooperation with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) is harnessing and promoting the Lori region’s tremendous natural and cultural assets to increase the flow of tourists, creating economic growth and employment opportunities. Among the efforts of this initiative is building an outdoor observation deck over the Debed Canyon, the expansion of the region’s tourism information spot, COAF’s Visitor Center, while threading modern art installations through the SMART Campus.

The initiative is carried out in the scope of the EU4Business “Innovative Tourism and Technology Development for Armenia (ITTD)” project implemented by GIZ, with the financial support of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 

The new initiative extends the efforts of the “Visit Debed Canyon” project, carried out in 2020 in partnership with the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA). By enhancing Lori’s tourism potential with new hiking trails, rental equipment, and a growing media presence while improving worker qualifications through on-site training, COAF has laid solid foundations to nurture the region’s tourism industry.

COAF has a long record of successes in transforming Lori into a tourism hub that began with the launch of an innovative education hub, the COAF SMART Center, in the heart of the region, which quickly became a sought-after venue for conferences and other professional gatherings. Conveniently allotted a walking distance from the Center, the Concept Hotel offers a modern overnight accommodation that meets international standards, while COAF’s Visitor Center welcomes and guides tourists entering the region, providing them with necessary travel information, equipment, and snacks.

The cooperation between COAF and the GIZ will complement the ongoing efforts in event tourism by building new attractions that enhance the region’s appeal to adventurous travelers and culture enthusiasts. On the one hand, the open-air, transparent observation deck over the Debed Canyon will offer visitors an unforgettable view of the Canyon’s slopes while new hiking and biking paths will open new possibilities for exploring the region’s unique fauna and flora. On the other hand, modern art and architectural installations across the SMART Campus will offer new aesthetics and complement centuries-old cultural remnants with contemporary artwork. Finally, expanding the existing Visitor Center will add a new, high-class gastronomy facility to the area and meet guests’ parking, navigation, and travel supply needs. Improved guidance will be provided through a travel application which will combine all necessary travel information in one place. Parallel to these novelties, special attention will be paid toward elevating the professional capacities in local gastronomy and hospitality industries.

Press release has been provided by Coaf