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- 1. Introduction to AgroTourism Tourism is now well recognized as an engine of growth in the various economies in the world. Several countries have transformed their economies by developing their tourism potential. Tourism has great capacity to generate large-scale employment and additional income sources to the skilled and unskilled. Today the concept of traditional tourism has been changed. Some new areas of the tourism have been emerged like Agro-Tourism. Promotion of tourism would bring many direct and indirect benefits to the people. Agritourism has been building momentum in the Philippines for the last few years, and all the effort of local enterprises is finally being recognized as the country is now one of the top destinations for agritourism in the world. During the Global Farm Tourism Summit, co-hosted by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study & Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Rose H. Libongco of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International stated that the Philippines is among the top farm tourism locations in the world given the country’s rich natural resources, biodiversity, rich farming heritage, and natural hospitality. Agro-tourism is an innovative agricultural activity related to tourism and agriculture both. It has a great capacity to create additional source of income and employment opportunities to the farmers. Maharashtra is one of the major tourist centers in the India and there is large scope and great potential to develop agro-tourism. What is the difference between Agro Tourism & Commercial Tourism? 1. Agro-tourism also a tourism business but it is deferent from the common tourism because it has a base of agriculture and rural lifestyle. Generally tourism has provided to see and enjoy the natural places as well as some heritages. But, agro- tourism includes experience, education and cultural transformation. It vary special from general tourism in the following manner: 2. It provides pollution and noise free sites for travel and tourism at rural background. 3. The cost of food, accommodation, recreation and travel is minimum in agro-tourism 4. Agro-tourism can satisfy the curiosity of urban peoples about sources of food, plants, animals, and industrial agro-raw materials. 5. It provides information about the rural handicrafts, languages, culture, tradition, dresses and lifestyle. 6. A family environment at the tourist place, is one of the most important characteristics in the agro- tourism 7. In the agotour, tourists not only see and watch agriculture farms but also they can participate in the agricultural activities and experience the farming. 8. It provides natural situations to watching, Birds, animals, water bodies etc 9. Agro-tourism could create awareness about rural life and knowledge about agriculture 10. It also provides opportunity for education through experience of farming and knowledge about the rural life including entertainment. Agro-tourism is an instrument of urban-rural connectivity through the tours. Tourism is the one of the industries with the strongest effect on the economy because it helps in developing other sector. Tourism industry is the tool for the development of backward areas. For the development of tourism some attractions are necessary which can attract to the tourists. Concept of traditional tourism has been changed. Some new areas of the tourism have been emerged like Agro- Tourism. What is Agrotourism? In simple terms, agrotourism is the crossroads of tourism and agriculture:
- 2. when the public visits working farms,ranches or wineries to buy products, enjoy entertainment, participate in activities, shop in a country store, eat a meal or make overnight stays. What fun activities can visitors do on a farm? Visiting a farm,ranch or winery offers wonderful, unique experiences. Picking your own peaches or apples in a beautiful orchard, roping a calf are just a few of the fun and fabulous activities waiting for you. Why do farmers participate in Agrotourism? Today, most family farms face serious economic challenges from foreign competition and large corporate farms. Their earnings on commodities and livestock may not even cover production costs. But farmers who sell directly to the public - through fruit stands and farm country stores - and also add special activities for visitors, find they can continue farming and make a profit. District Saramacca has a great potential to the development of agro-tourism, because of natural conditions and different types of agro products. Tourism is now well recognized as an engine of growth in the various economies in the world. Several countries have transformed their economies by developing their tourism potential. Tourism has great capacity to generate large scale employment and additional sources to the skilled and unskilled. The current situation of agriculture in Saramacca is not so stable because of the dry season many farmer will not be able to plant and also not able to provide water for the plant witch will lower the production. This is due the bad water infrastructure,they have problem in both season and it does not matter wich soil the have sand or clay Saramacca has both. The population of tourism in Saramacca in this summer period is high there are tourist coming to Groningen and even locals daily there are about 60 to 80 tourist in Groningen maybe even more and they are mostly dutch people. The location where this project will take place is Groningen the soil is sand but we will also do it on clay to see the difference and the importance of both. With this project i want to create awareness of agriculture and agro tourism. The methods of farming is centuries old so that should be changed from old to modern farming and organic farming. From modern farming we get our income and with the introduction of agrotourism it will double the income, this depend on the situation. Location of Agro Tourism Center Location is most important factor for success in the agro-tourism. The location of the centre must easy to arrive and have a good natural background. Urban tourists are interested into enjoying the nature and rural life. So, farmers should develop their centre in the rural areas only which have a beautiful natural background to attract urban tourist in your farm. The place of agro-tourism centre must need easy accessible by roads and railways. Tourists want to enjoy some historical and natural tourist places along with the agro-tourism. Hence, the centre should be developed near of these tourist places. It is more beneficial to both tourist and farmers. Concept of AgroTourism A term ‘Agro-Tourism’ is a new face of tourism. An agro-tourism is farm based business that is open to the public.These specialized agro-tourism destinations generally offer things to see, things to do, and produce or gifts to buy, and are open to the public.AgriTourism is defined as “Travel that combines agricultural or rural settings with products of agricultural operations – all within a tourism experience”.
- 3. Agro-Tourism is that Agri-Business activity, when a native farmers or person of the area offers tours to their agriculture farm to allow a person to view them growing, harvesting, and processing locally grown foods, such as coconuts, pineapple, sugar cane, corn, or any agriculture produce the person would not encounter in their city or home country. Often the farmers would provide a home- stay opportunity and education”. Agro-Tourism and Eco-Tourism are closely related to each other. Eco- Tourism provides by the tour companies but, in the agro-tourism farmers offer tours to their agriculture farm and providing entertainment, education and fun-filled experiences for the urban peoples. Agro-tourism is a way of sustainable tourist development and multi-activity in rural areas through which the visitor has the opportunity to get aware with agricultural areas, agricultural occupations, local products, traditional food and the daily life of the rural people, as well as the cultural elements and traditions. Moreover, this activity brings visitors closer to nature and rural activities in which they can participate, be entertained and feel the pleasure of touring. Friday, September 30, 2016Presented By: Aum Consultants, Mumbai 3 Tourism Potential of Gensan Basic Requirements of AgroTourism Center For better feasibility of project min 25 Guest Rooms. Farmhouse, which has the rural look and feel comfortable along with all minimum required facilities. Rich resources in agriculture namely water and plants at the place. Kitchen with basic cooking equipments for cooking food. Emergency medical cares with first aid box. The well or lake or swimming tank for fishing, swimming Bullock cart, cattle shade, telephone facilities etc Simple home made food cooked on wood fired chullas adds to the value of the resort. Good food served with smiling faces would be enjoyed by all guests Evening Barbecue Zone serving exquisite barbecues at extra cost along with select wines and beers. This value addition will be charged extra and is Semi Open Air Dining facility Entertainment &Participation Offer authentic rural Indian / Maharashtrian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Activate participation of guests to see and participate In the agricultural activities. Offer an opportunity to participate in the rural games to the tourist Provide information them about the culture, dress, arts, crafts, festivals, rural traditions and also give possible demonstration of some arts. Offer bullock cart for riding and horse riding, buffalo ride in the water, fishing facility in your pounds or nearest lake. Keep kids close to nature and very happy at resort. Very few smart businessman understand that kids are the major decision makers for holiday destinations. Day & Over Night Stays Education Tours by students to an ideal Agro Tourism Center adds to the bulk revenue Various Fruits Plantation at farm
- 4. An ideal AgroTourism Resort very close to nature yet offers all modern amenities which are preferred by discerning travelers Friday, September 30, 2016 Presented By: Aum Consultants, Mumbai 19 Aesthetics of Agro Tourism Resort Structures must have a earthy feel & gel with local surrounding 2. Problem def. Saramacca has great potential to develop agro tourism due the good natural conditions. But there are some problems in the process of agrotourism development those are; - Lack of perfect knowledge about agrotourism - weak communication skill - lack of funds to develop basic infrastructure for agro tourism -lack of management skills And beside this there is lack of intrest in agriculture because the people are focused in Staats olie they are depended on oil. Saramacca does not have other source of income beside oil and agriculture. Thats why to have a safe future we have to look what else we can do and agro tourism is one of the things which can guarantee another source of income. Agro tourism is not yet the solution what we are looking for at first we have to make agriculture attractive so that people get interested in. Agriculture in Suriname in is done in a old fashion way,this is what we have to change. Old fashioned way to hyper modern way of agriculture. Why? Because modern agricultural systems have been developed with two related goals in mind: to obtain the highest yields possible and to get the highest economic profit possible. In pursuit of these goals, six basic practices have come to form the backbone of production: intensive tillage, monoculture ,use of inorganic fertilizer, irrigation, chemical pest control, and genetic manipulation of crop plants. Each practice is used for its individual contribution to productivity. For this project we will train 30 farmers and also teacher of the kinder garden. Why? Because those kids can trigger others to do agriculture , everything that they will learn about agriculture they will try it in their garden and this can lead to agro tourism. 3. Activities This project has 2 part, agriculture and agro-tourism. Starting form the beginwiththe definitionof Agriculture"is the cultivationofland for effective crop growth and raising of livestock. Farmers engage directly in agriculture by preparing soil, planting crops, harvesting those crops and preparing them for transportation. They also bale hay, grow pastures and buy seed to raise livestock. With this project we will provide training to the farmers those training are: - farmland operation - plant propagation - organic farming - plant disease and pest control and use of fertilizer - use of pesticide - food security - irrigation infrastructure - certifying farmers with global gap These training will be provide by together with the ministry of Agriculture, husbandry and fisheries Three days Training Program for agro tourism. The objectives:
- 5. •To enhance participants’ knowledge and appreciation of the concept of Agro tourism as a strategy for increasing farm productivity and creating economic opportunities in rural areas; •To equip participants with knowledge of the tools and techniques for and enhance their skills in planning, management, promotion, and marketing of agro tourism projects and products; and •To promote the development of agro tourism and community-based, tourism-oriented enterprises in member countries as a way of increasing productivity and optimizing the use of local resources. 4. Target audience how we will reach our target group is through social media, a Facebook page will be used to provide all information about our project. Beside this we will have different radio programs in different languages so every one will be able to understand what this project is about, and further we will also involve teachers of the elementary school to be part of this project. And we will also want that every school to have a school garden. 5. Link with donor The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is the international organization of the Americas specializing in agriculture and rural well-being. It is the only agency of the Inter-American System focused on those areas that provides technical cooperation, innovation and specialized knowledge to promote the competitive and sustainable development of agriculture in the Americas and the improvement of the life of rural inhabitants in its member countries. This is the main reason why link this project proposal with IICA because we have all the aspects in this proposal in which IICA is involved. 6. Why will this proposal solve the problem this proposal will solve the problem because the solution that we have is already used in other countries and they had succes. Suriname has the potential to be top in agriculture but to reach there we have to change the old agriculture into modern agriculture. The agriculture is old so it is has more cost and less profit and is mainly done by hand. It does not have any structure for example a farmer ate watermelon he took the seed dried it and the next day he put it in de soil he wait til it grow from the 100% seeds only 40% of the seed grows and after that he waits to harvest it this the agriculture what is known in Suriname. With the modern agriculture we like to change the whole concept of the old agriculture by providing the different trainings that is already mentioned. That is why we like to begin with a pilot project in Saramacca,groningen we start with a small group of 30 farmers and than we will see where we are heading. Why in Saramacca? The main reason is to create awareness for agriculture and the opportunity of producing quality agri product wether for export or local market. I am also from Saramacca and we are also farming, on our farm we have aubergine, bitter gourd and ladyfinger. We are farming on a large scale and the products are for the export. 7. Sustainability This project will work why i am saying this is because i have done research and also questioned farmer what they think about and if they get this opportunity to upgrade their knowledge. All farmers had a positive reaction and that is one of the reason why this is a pilot project. When the pilot project is done than we can say it for sure what we have achieved our goal. The training that will be provided will be theoretical and practical. The practical part we will visit a a farm were there is no infrastructure nothing is just a piece of land and there we will start with all the activities of the modern agriculture. Those farmers who are not doing this training they can come to that land were the modern farm techniques are used. 8. Cost calculation 4.4. SWOT Analysis of development of Agroturism in Armenia Strong features
- 6. - Ancient monuments - Cultural traditions - Variety of countryside - Favorable geographical location Weak Features - Low level of regional support - Lack of trainings - Insufficient infrastructure (parking areas, sewage plants) - Cooperation of public administration and private activities - Low quality of services - Insufficient information system - Low competition Opportunities - Interconnection of historical, ethnographical and craft-industrial traditions - Recreational activities and sports - Agricultural and natural diversity - Generating income and jobs - Exchange between rural and urban areas - Infrastructure expansion and quality of housing facilities - Marketing offer - Coordination of services supply in border areas and cooperation with abroad - Support of health improving programs Threats - Unexplained rules of the municipality cooperation with the tourism entrepreneurs - Interpersonal relations - Tendency to enlarge tourist industry into protected areas
- 7. This study finds that (1) the most potential opportunity of agrotourism is increasing family, followed by employee involvement, generating tourism income and increasing value of the Village; (2) the hardest barriers of agrotourism development in Armenia is inadequate infrastructures, other barriers are limited public facilities, imperfect human resource skills, scarce investments, and insufficient government supports; (3) the ecological resources particularly lakes, social life especially farmers and their lives, and cultural resources such as unique traditions are the strength factors of agrotourism development in Armenia; (4) lacks of government support, investment, infrastructures, and human skills are weakness factors; (5) generating related tourism businesses are the most potential opportunity of agrotourism development in Armenia. Other opportunities generated from agrotourism are providing local employments, increasing family incomes, and increasing value of the village; (6) degradation of natural resources regarded as the riskiest threat of agrotourism development in Armenia. The second most serious matter is land using problems. Other threats are pollutions, host attitude changes, increasing criminalities, and tradition commercialization; (7) agrotourism contributes lots in improving the economy of the local communities. The contributions are on agricultural product improvements and stimulations of related tourism enterprises; (8) agrotourism helps improving the social situations particularly poverty alleviation, decreasing unemployment, and declining urbanization; (9) nature conservation is the greatest contribution toward sustainable tourism development in Armenia. 4.5. Economic impact of tourism. Tourism has a variety of economic impacts. Tourists contribute to sales, profits, jobs, tax revenues, and income in an area. The most direct effects occur within the primary tourism sectors --lodging, restaurants, transportation, amusements, and retail trade. Through secondary effects, tourism affects most sectors of the economy. An economic impact analysis of tourism activity normally focuses on changes in sales, income, and employment in a region resulting from tourism activity. There are several other categories of economic impacts: Changes in prices -- tourism can sometimes inflate the cost of housing and retail prices in the area, frequently on a seasonal basis.
- 8. Changes in the quality and quantity of goods and services – tourism may lead to a wider array of goods and services available in an area (of either higher or lower quality than without tourism). Changes in property and other taxes – taxes to cover the cost of local services may be higher or lower in the presence of tourism activity. In some cases, taxes collected directly or indirectly from tourists may yield reduced local taxes for schools, roads, etc. In other cases, locals may be taxed more heavily to cover the added infrastructure and service costs. The impacts of tourism on local government costs and revenues are addressed more fully in a fiscal impact analysis. Tourism activity also involves economic costs, including the direct costs incurred by tourism businesses, government costs for infrastructure to better serve tourists, as well as congestion and related costs borne by individuals in the community. In order to measure the impact of tourism on economy, Armenian government and Agrotourism developers should do analysis for measure impact of further development. A variety of economic analyses are carried out to support tourism decisions. 1. Economic impact analysis -- What is the contribution of tourism activity to the economy of the region? An economic impact analysis traces the flows of spending associated with tourism activity in a region to identify changes in sales, tax revenues, income, and jobs due to tourism activity. The principal methods here are visitor spending surveys, analysis of secondary data from government economic statistics, economic base models, input-output models and multipliers. (Frechtling 1994a) 2. Fiscal impact analysis – Will government revenues from tourism activity from taxes,direct fees, and other sources cover the added costs for infrastructure and government services? Fiscal impact analysis identifies changes in demands for government utilities and services resulting from some action and estimates the revenues and costs to local government to provide these services (Burchell and Listokin 1978).
- 9. 3. Demand analysis – How will the number or types of tourists to the area change due to changes in prices, promotion, competition, quality and quantity of facilities, or other demand shifters? A demand analysis estimates or predicts the number and/or types of visitors to an area via a use estimation, forecasting or demand model. The number of visitors or sales is generally predicted based on judgment (Delphi method), historic trends (time series methods), or using a model that captures how visits or spending varies with key demand determinants (structural models) such as population size, distance to markets, income levels, and measures of quality & competition (Walsh 1986, Johnson and Thomas 1992). 4. Financial analysis – Can we make a profit from this activity? A financial analysis determines whether a business will generate sufficient revenues to cover its costs and make a reasonable profit. It generally includes a short-term analysis of the availability and costs of start-up capital as well as a longer-range analysis of debt service, operating costs and revenues. A financial analysis for a private business is analogous to a fiscal impact analysis for a local government unit. 5. Benefit Cost analysis (B/C) – Which alternative policy will generate the highest net benefit to society over time? A B/C analysis estimates the relative economic efficiency of alternative policies by comparing benefits and costs over time. B/C analysis identifies the most efficient policies from the perspective of societal welfare, generally including both monetary and non- monetary values. B/C analysis makes use of a wide range of methods for estimating values of non- market goods and services, such as the travel cost method and contingent valuation method (Stokey and Zeckhauser 1978; Sudgen and Williams 1978). 6.Environmental Impact assessment – What are the impacts of an action on the surrounding environment? An environmental assessment determines the impacts of a proposed action on the environment, generally including changes in social, cultural, economic, biological, physical, and ecological systems. Economic impact assessment methods are often used along with corresponding measures and models for assessing social, cultural and environmental impacts. Methods range from simple checklists to elaborate simulation models (Williams, 1994).
- 10. 5. Benefits of tourism 5.1. Economic benefits of tourism 1. Contribution to Gross Domestic Product – Tourism contributes approximately 3.6% of world GDP and 5% in Europe. In 2008, it was 5% in Armenia. So, it is important to develop tourism sector in Armenia, especially agroturism, in order to increase contribution of agrotourism sector in Armenian GDP. 2. Foreign Exchange Earnings – Tourism is one of the top five export categories for many countries and is a main source of foreign exchange earnings for 38% of them. 3. Revenue source – Government revenues from the tourism sector can be categorized as direct and indirect contributions. Direct contributions are generated from tourism employment and operated businesses, and by direct levies such as departure taxes. Indirect contributions are those originating from taxes and duties levied on tourists for goods and ser-vices supplied. 4. Trade Surplus – Tourism is the only major sector in international trade in services in which trade surpluses are found. 5. Multiplier Effects – Tourism has a strong multiplier effect serving as a major source of economic development in developing countries. 6. Comparative Value – In developing countries where the tourism industry is a priority sector of economy, the contribution to GNP, employment, and export receipts have outpaced traditional economic activities.
- 11. 7. Employment Generation – The rapid expansion of international tourism has led to significant employment creation. Tourism can generate jobs directly through hotels, restaurants, leisure establishments, transportation infrastructures and souvenir sales, and indirectly through tourism-related businesses (food and other products, services, trade). The world-wide tourism industry employs around 231 million people or approximately 8.3% of the world’s workers. 8. Stimulation of Investment – A positive image of the tourism sector and country created through international visitors traveling to Armenia stimulates foreign investmentments, which has its positive impact on other branches of economy (manufacturing, IT, construction, and education) 9. Poverty Alleviation – Tourism provides a means of creating entrepreneurial opportunities for those living in rural or other areas considered as disadvantaged from economic point of view. 5.2. Social Benefits of Tourism 1. Develops Communities – Tourism can add to the development of communities in many ways. Events or festivities organized by local residents for tourists, as well as their hospitality contribute to the social vitality of the community and jobs created by tourism as well as incomes generated from them can act as a vital incentive to reduce emigration from rural areas. 2. Infrastructure – As tourism supports the development of community facilities and services, it can bring higher living standards to rural areas. Benefits can include upgraded transport and communication infrastructure, improved healthcare and transportation, new sport and recreational facilities, restaurants, and public spaces.
- 12. 5.3. Cultural Benefits of Tourism 1. Revaluation of Culture & Traditions – Tourism can boost the recovery, preservation and transmission of cultural and historical traditions, which often contributes to the conservation and rational use of natural resources, the protection of national heritage, and development of culture, arts and crafts. 2. Civic Involvement & Pride – Tourism helps raise the awareness of community population of the value of natural and cultural sites and can stimulate a feeling of pride in local and national heritage and interest in its conservation. 5.4. Environmental Benefits of Tourism 1. Financial – Tourism generated incomes may be directed to the environmental protection. 2. Environmental Awareness Raising – Tourism increases public appreciation of the value of nature and leads to environmentally conscious behavior. 3. Environmental Protection & Preservation – Tourism can significantly contribute to environmental protection, conservation and restoration of biological diversity and sustainable use of natural resources. 5.5. Political Benefits of Tourism 1. Nation Branding – Tourism contributes to the perception of the country in the global market establishing and strengthening of public diplomacy, stimulation of foreign investments and export.
- 13. 2. Catalyst for Peace – Travel brings people into contact with each other and it can foster understanding between peoples and cultures and provide cultural exchange between hosts and guests. 4.3. Consideration for Agrotourism development in Armenia Agricultural sector is one of developing sector in Armenia that is why development of village tourism is also on the rise. Agrotourism provides the opportunity to increase the potential for higher margin, on-farm sales and value added products and services. Agroturism is a commercial enterprise at any agriculture site, including horticulture and agribusiness operations, conducted for the enjoyment of visitors that generates supplemental turism income for the owner. Because most Armenian farms are operated by small landowners, there is great opportunity for customization and uniqueness in agroturism attractions. Furthermore, many agroturism activities can successfully be provided with a small farm crew. The agroturism experience can involve the following activities: farm tours farm visits and stays on-Farm sales Festivals and fairs Animal watching Bird watching Garden or nursery tours Wildlife viewing Winery tours Tours to dairy producing factories Tours to home of villagers Participation to on-farm activities Fishing hunting, etc
- 14. Farm tours: Tours spotlight farm animals, food production, and farm life. This activity includes take a walk trough farm territory, see cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, etc. Tourists will be able to experience daily farm life first hand. While on a farm tour plan on hand milking a cow, petting and feeding many farm animals and a free antique driven hayride to the fields to see corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Learn what happens to these crops and how they affect their life! Farm visits and stays: Because of there are many farms far from hotels, there will be appropriate to organize tours in 2-3 days to farms, and suggest tourists to stay in villages in order to be able to be familiar with village life. It this case, tourists will be imagining farm life in more details. On-Farm sales: During visits to farms, tourists can buy dairy products, meats, vegetable, dry fruits, etc. This activity is very important, because tourists can not only eat there, but also to buy and bring it to home. This will help to engage more tourists year by year, as they will be aware the quality of farm products. Festivals and fairs: Mid-summer to mid-fall is the high season for the agricultural fairs. Armenia is home to some of the top crop production with many fruits, vegetables and edibles shipped around the globe. Armenian agricultural Fairs and Festivals bring the farmers and rural agricultural communities out to celebrate harvests of pumpkins, wheat, tomatoes, grapes, apples, apricots and other sorts of fruits and vegetables. In festivals, tourists can also see and taste many products produced by different producers. There shown many types of dairy products, different type of bread, including Armenian “Lavash”, wine, cognacs, dry fruits, canned products, etc.
- 15. Garden or nursery tours: This will help tourists to be familiar with Armenian orchards, which are producing organic fruits, vegetables. Tourists also will be shown how to grow and take care of gardens, trees, vegetable plants, etc. Wildlife viewing: In Armenia, there are organizing also wildlife viewing tours. Tourists are becoming familiar with wild animals, which are living in Armenia. During such kind of tours, tourists will be able to participate in fishing, hunting, etc. activities. Other activities include animal watching, including watching cows, horses, sheep, rabbits, pigs, goats, and bird watching, including turkeys, hens, chickens, etc in the farms. Tourist will be aware of breeding methods of animals, and other farm activities. Local DelicatessenShops tours Traveling to wine regions is another activity of agroturism. Many wine producers in wine regions all over the country offer tastings of their wine. It is beneficial both for tourists and wine producers. Tasting at the winery may incur a small charge to allow the producer to cover costs. This tour was designed for people who are interested in discovering the origin of wine. Tourists will be going to an artisan wine maker to see how the famous Armenian wine is made. Tourists can visit to the second winery where they can meet the winegrower who will show them the techniques of viticulture. This activity also includes driving along the hills where tourists can see the different type of vineyard. After that tourists are going to taste different type of red and white wines.
- 16. All tourists during this activity will learning how to taste wines. Look, smell, taste - starting with your basic senses and expanding from there tourists will learn how to taste wines. Tourists check out the Color and Clarity of wine smell and taste of wine. Tourists will be familiar how to distinguish good wine from bad ones. In Armenia, agrotourism combines two larges industries- tourism with agriculture. Many farm owners today making profit depends on diversifying farm operations to introduce services and product designed for visitors. Farm stands, bed and breakfasts are examples of growing trend towards agrotourism. Since the infrastructure in the low-priced home-stays is not up to standard, and many home providers do not speak a foreign language, the home-stay option in villages is limited for international tourists. In 2008, Armenian government signed contract of implementation program for tourism development. Government decided to impalement this law during next 4 years and finished until 2012. In this law is introduced the following activities: Develop regulatory sphere for turism sector. This activity should be implemented with the help of ministry of economy and USAID. Improve tourism statistical sphere 1. Signed contracts with international organizations. 2. Improve activity of national turism agency 3. Introducing Armenia as a turism country to global tourism market, 4. Organize new festivals and farm markets, 5. Improve transport sector, as well as roads, 6. Develop ecotourism plan and presented to government, 7. Develop agroturism plan and presented to government, 8. Develop winter turism plan and presented to government.
- 17. Above mentioned is activity that should be implemented by Armenian government. During implementation of this program, community leaders, rural economic development and turism professionals, and agroturism entrepreneurs should also be involved. It focuses on the main components of agroturism development: small businesses, agricultural events, and regional agroturism initiatives. Considerations for each of these components are discussed. Agrotourism businesses Expanding farm businesses to include agrotourism opportunities can provide a mechanism for keeping farms financially sound. Besides benefiting farm owners, agrotourism businesses benefit visitors by offering a diversity of agricultural experiences. Starting any new enterprise can be risky from both a financial and personal viewpoint. Before investing money, time, and energy into a new venture in special agricultural products and services, new entrepreneurs should complete personal, market, project feasibility, and financial evaluations. Technical and managerial assistance in these evaluations is available from a wide variety of public sources committed to an area’s rural economic development, agriculture, and small business development. Personal evaluation: This type of evaluation helps a potential entrepreneur determine why he or she is considering starting an agrotourism business. It is important to clearly identify and prioritize the entrepreneur's goals for the new venture, as well as the special resources and skills of the entrepreneur. Market evaluation: Potential entrepreneurs need to identify their potential market, or buyers, through a number of approaches. This is often made difficult by the fact that agrotourism marketing is frequently targeted to specific visitor niches. After identifying your customer market, it is very important to clearly document what requirements or specifications visitors will have for your products. Examples of product specifications include the quantity and quality of products, product characteristics (size, color, etc.), and prices, flaws (i.e., insect or other damages) that are allowable, interest in and price reductions for lower quality material, and packaging and shipping requirements. For many
- 18. agrotourism products, it is critical to coordinate the timing of the harvest with the requirements of the buyers. This is especially important when dealing with products that have a limited shelf life, such as berries or cut flowers, and seasonal products, such as Christmas trees or pumpkins. Financial evaluation: A budget needs to be carefully developed, preferably with the assistance of a production specialist and a business planning specialist. At a minimum, the budget should itemize fixed and variable costs (including interest), and expected gross and net revenues. Business plan development: A clear business plan is the single most important document needed by any individual approaching a banker with a request for a loan. The business plan should include detailed information on the personal, market, project feasibility, and financial evaluations discussed above. Organizing festivals and farmers' markets are increasingly popular community revitalization strategies. For the communities that sponsor markets or host festivals, these events promote the community and bring consumers to downtown areas or small villages for additional shopping. They are also a means of educating the public about issues affecting the community such as support for local farmers, open space, and the quality of life in rural communities. In Armenia there are many festivals, including wine festival, food festival, cheese festival, harvest festival, which are organizing every year. Wine festival is organized mainly by Areni village, which considered one of largest wine tasting village. Every year lots of tourists are visiting there and becoming familiar with Armenian wines, foods, etc. There they can not only taste wines and foods, but also buy foods exactly from villagers. Besides villages, every year is organizing national food expo. Profile for exhibit include meat products, dairy products, nonalcoholic drinks, mineral water, strong drinks, beer, tobacco goods, confectionery, ice-cream, the equipment for the food production and packing etc. The Armenian Tourism Association started implementing a state program for development agrotourism. The program predict to carry out various activities for the development of
- 19. agrotourism in the various villages, including developing infrastructure, preparing advertising, informative and promotional materials, training of farmers and villagers, managing the impact of tourism on the environment, cleaning picnic sites, developing hiking and horse riding routes, community involvement, and collaboration with the private sector.