This year we enter our ninth year of progress, from humble

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2 This year we enter our ninth year of progress, from humble beginning planting info boards at 5 cultural monuments in Armenia, to covering over 150 locations throughout the republic, and to restoration projects at some of the most important (and vulnerable) cultural monuments in the region. And we have grown from an NGO focused exclusively on Armenia, to one that now bravely bounds across borders and plunges headlong into cross-cultural cooperation in a complicated neighborhood. We now celebrate successful projects stretching from the ancient Greek citadels of Thessaloniki across the Black Sea and into the hinterlands of the Caucasus. And all this is the realization of a dream. It is a dream I had many years ago when I first became fascinated with this extraordinary place I have called home for 22 years. As I wrote home to family, friends (and frankly, anyone who would read my stories about living in these mysterious lands of silken mountains), those stories turned into chapters and the chapters into a book, TourArmenia, my guide book to the area. ²É»ù ³ٳñÛ³Ý üçý³ýë³ï³ý ïýûñ»ý Alek Tamaryan Finance Director»Éɳ γñ³å»ïÛ³Ý öáëïýûñ»ý, Íñ³ ñ»ñç Çñ³Ï³Ý³óáõÙ Bella Karapetyan Deputy Executive Director, Operations AMAP Staff è³ý³û»é ÂáñáëÛ³Ý öáëïýûñ»ý, ¹Ç½³ÛÝ, í»ñ³ñëïáõáõãûáõý Rafael Torossian Deputy Executive Director, Design, Monitoring ÈÇÉÇà ÂáñáëÛ³Ý Ìñ³ ñç ϳÝáݳϳñ»ñÇ Ñ³Ù³å³ï³ë˳ÝáõÃÛ³Ý ýçý³ýë³ï³ý Íáí û Ý³Ï³Ý Lilit Torossian Compliance Officer, Finance Assistant That in turn became the formation of AMAP, and an eight year adventure we have relished in opening up the region to adventurers like us intrepid wanderers looking afar for those sparks of life we call experiences. And now we are here: Bridges project, and the formation of this wonderful network of Tour Operators called TATON, furthering the dream of introducing these fabled lands to visitors from all over the world. Most destinations on our tour trails the Black Sea Silk Road were lost in the mists of time, but are now ready to be discovered anew by people like you adventurers looking for a new frontier, time forgotten, and the memories of a lifetime. Richard Ney President and COP/Executive Director AMAP Human Development NGO ²Ý³ÑÇï ì³ñ¹³ýû³ý áñí³í³ñ, ѳßí»ïíáõÃÛ³Ý å³ï³ëë³ý³ïáõ PR û Ý³Ï³Ý Anahit Vardanyan Office Manager/Reporting/PR Assistant гñáõÃÛáõÝ Â³¹ áëû³ý Ìñ³ ñç ï»ëýçï³ï³ý å³ï³ëë³ý³ïáõ Harutyun Tadevosyan Technical Supervisor ²ßáï ºñí³Ý¹Û³Ý Ìñ³ ñç û Ý³Ï³Ý Ashot Yervandyan Project Assistant ²ñÙ»ÝáõÑÇ Ô³½³ñÛ³Ý áñí³í³ñ, ù³ñïáõõ³ñ óñ Ù³ÝÇã Armenuhi Ghazaryan Office Manager, Secretary and Translator êáõñ»ý ØáíëÇëÛ³Ý ñ³ë»ýû³ïç Ìñ³ ñç û Ý³Ï³Ý Suren Movsisyan Office and Project Assistant ²ñ Ç ì³ñ¹³ýû³ý ÊáñÑñ¹³ïáõ, PR áñó³»ï Arpi Vartanian Consultant, PR Expert ¾¹ ³ùÇÝ Ñ»Ù Ø³ñù»ÃÇÝ Ç Íáí ËáñÑñ¹³ïáõ Ed Buckingham Consultant, Marketing êûáõ½³ý êå³ýá ÊáñÑñ¹³ïáõ, PR áñó³»ï Syuzan Spano Consultant, PR Expert Page 2 Page 3

3 TATON BRIDGES Project AMAP is proud to have implemented the USAID-funded Bridges project, developed to spur regional economic growth, through increased cross-border tourism between Armenia and Turkey. Bridges continues the work of the Black Sea Silk Road Corridor (BSSRC) project, which focused on developing tourism along the fabled Silk Road, and continues the strong partnership between two BSSRC partners: Armenia s AMAP Human Development NGO (AMAP) and Turkey s Ekonomistler Platformu (EkP). goals are: 1) Inventory regional tourism experiences. To attract international tourists, this extraordinary area, rich in history and culture, must be dynamically advertised to convey the potential for discovery, emotion and passion that awaits the tourist seeking a life less ordinary. To achieve that, we catalogue Tourism Experiences. 2) Foster cross-border cooperation between tour operators. The BRIDGES AMAP and EkP work with regional partners to establish a new tour operator association: TATON (Turkish-Armenian Tour Operators Network). We promote its growth through direct contact, regional Discovery Tours, and a dedicated, online Professional Social Network. 3) Promote the region to the international traveler. Our web magazine, on-line newsletters, and social media marketing provide new and exciting information for tour operators and tourists alike. We will host a special Discovery Tour for international photojournalists and travel writers. Their articles in popular, internationally-read publications and blogs will further market the region as a one-of-a-kind destination spot. This project is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of AMAP Human Development NGO and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. A major part of Bridges was the creation of TATON - the Turkish & Armenian Tour Operators Network - an informal group of like-minded, forward thinking tour operators in Turkey and Armenia, joining forces to create cross-border tour products for international and domestic tourists. Caravan of Dreams An important part of Bridges project, implemented through TATON, was the Caravan of Dreams, a press trip brought to life to offer a group of internationally known travel journalists the chance to share with their audiences the scenic and cultural glories of a very special region stretching from the Caucasus to the Taurus Mountains, where the Near and the Far East meet. Page 4 Page 5

4 ITINERARY August 3 to August 20, 2016 uarrival IN TRABZON (Turkey) Wednesday, August 3 Tour Operator (T.O.) Host in Turkey: EASTERN TURKEY TOURS (ALKANS TOUR) uday 1: TRABZON (Turkey) Thursday, August 4 uday 2: RIZE - AYDER (Turkey) Friday, August 5 uday 3: ARTVIN, ERZURUM (Turkey) Saturday, August 6 uday 4: ERZURUM-ARARAT- DOGUBEYAZIT (Turkey) Sunday, August 7 uday 5: DOGUBEYAZIT-ISHAK PASHA PALACE - NOAH ARK (Turkey) Monday, August 8 uday 6: KARS-ANI (Turkey) Tuesday, August 9 uday 7: TURKEY-GEORGIA BORDER Wednesday, August 10 uday 8: AKHALTSIKHE (Georgia), ARMENIAN BORDER, GYUMRI (Armenia) Thusday, August 11 T.O. Host: ARMENIA TRAVEL uday 9: GYUMRI, ARAGATSOTN REGION, YEREVAN (Armenia) Friday, August 12 T.O. Host: ARMENIA TRAVEL uday 10: YEREVAN (Armenia) Saturday, August 13 T.O. Host: TRAVELON uday 11: YEREVAN, KOTAYK REGION - GARNI, GEGHARD (Armenia) Sunday, August 14 T.O. Host: ARMENIAN TRAVEL BUREAU uday 12: KHOR VIRAP, ARENI, NORAVANK (Armenia) Monday, August 15 T.O. Host: D.A. TOURS uday 13: YEGHEGNADZOR, JERMUK (Armenia) Tuesday, August 16 T.O. Host: D.A. TOURS uday 14: SISIAN, ZORATS KARER (CARAHUNGE - ARMENIA S STONEHENGE) Wednesday, August 17 T.O. Host: GARDMAN TOUR uday 15: UGHTASAR, VARDENIATS PASS, LAKE SEVAN (Armenia) Thursday, August 18 T.O. Host: GARDMAN TOUR uday 16: (DILIJAN), HAGHPAT (Armenia), TBILISI (Georgia) Friday, August 19 T.O. Hosts: GARDMAN TOUR / ARMENIA TRAVEL Page 6 Page 7

5 CARAVAN OF DREAMS PRESS-TRIP Travel Writers write about Armenia ARMENIA A BONSAI COUNTRY WITH A BIG HEART Graham Simmons Armenia was an unknown. At first it surprised me. Then it stunned me. Finally, it wormed its way so far under my skin that I suspect the impressions will never leave me. In short, Armenia is a bonsai nation whose people seem to have been hewn from the landscape itself. Rugged, down-to-earth and open-hearted - these are the most endearing traits of Armenian people. They are constantly giving of themselves and expecting nothing in return, and if by chance you ARE able to offer something in return even something as simple as a smile then they appear to be genuinely delighted. I was privileged to join a group exploring this intriguing country, starting in the northwest art deco city of Gyumri. Along the road to Gyumri the land seems and feels pre-ancient, strewn with limestone and tufa outcrops that seem to proclaim their right to rise above the earth and become part of the built environment. Indeed, throughout Armenia it is rare to find a building that is NOT constructed of stone from salmon-coloured volcanic tufa to slate, limestone, basalt and porphyry. Wine vats in Areni 1 cave, in Khor Virap province are the oldest. Seeds from the Areni noir grape variety the same as that used at Voskevaz winery were discovered in the cave in 2007, and have been dated to 4,200 BC, making this the world s oldest winery. The excavations are a huge undertaking, and are expected to reveal many more finds. I quickly realised before very long that this is a country with a profound intellectual heritage. With around 99% literacy and a unique 36-letter alphabet, the country punches way above its weight in the fields of education, science and technology. Armenia s famous monasteries and churches (the country claims to be the world s first to have adopted Christianity as a state religion) are often built atop the ruins of ancient temples. The acoustics of many of these churches are totally gobsmacking, the sound reverberating within the walls and throughout your whole body as though the sound is coming from all directions at once. Indeed, it s hard not to be moved by the music of the Armenian Apostolic Church. I m privileged to visit the country s principal cathedral at Echmiadzin, on the day of the Blessing of the Grapes the most important event on the calendar after Christmas and Easter. But a little more about those carpets! On the outskirts of the Armenian capital Yerevan, the Magerian carpet factory produces finely-woven carpets and rugs, using natural dyes from the very plants I ve seen high up on the Syunik Plateau. Uniquely, each Armenian carpet is double-knotted, making for a much stronger bond but also being much more time-consuming. One square metre of carpet will take a worker between 30 and 40 days to make. Is it any wonder, then, that Armenian carpets fetch sky high prices on the world stage? Finally, I arrive back in Yerevan, a surprisingly cosmopolitan city, with a Canberra-like grid superimposed upon an ancient settlement. People scroll the garden-filled squares at all hours, soaking up the sunshine and the heady range of civic attractions from wine bars and jazz cafes to open-air music festivals. No doubt about it Armenia is a feast not just for the senses, but for the heart too. Page 8 Page 9

6 OFF THE BEATEN PATH THE UGHTASAR PETROGLYPHS OF ARMENIA Carolyn Rapkievian 13 SURPRISINGLY EASY COUNTRIES FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS TO TRAVEL IN ARMENIA Bruce Northam Armenia is known for its ancient monasteries in the mountains, its unique brandy, and its warm-hearted hospitality. Armenia is a small country in the southern Caucuses bridging Europe and Asia. It is a land of undiscovered natural beauty, historical treasures, and world heritage. On a brilliant summer day in August, our guides tuned off the main road north of the town of Sisian in the Syunik province. Diving on a dirt then gassy path, we past dozens of beehives that are located for the summer in the lower elevations of the mountains hives that produce exquisite wildflower honey. The volcanic mountains sculpted by glaciers are host to an extraordinary variety of wildflowers. We ascended over an hour past lingering fields of snow and arrived at a small sparling glacial lake at about 10,500 feet above sea level near the top of Mount Ughtasar. Some say the mountain resembles the back of a camel and thus its name ( camel in Armenian is ukht ) but others suggest that since the name of the mountain predates the silk-road traders traveling through the region on camels, the name refers to the ancient sacred use of the site the word for pilgrimage in Armenian is ukhtagnats. Surrounding the lake are black manganese boulders left behind by an extinct volcano. Thousands of Paleolithic Era petroglyphs, dating as early as 12,000 BCE are carved onto the flat surfaces of the boulders here and at a nearby site just beyond the nearby peaks. The petroglyphs were initially studied in the 1960 s - archeologists are still cataloguing and analyzing these remarkable carvings but since the site is covered with snow nearly nine months of the year due to its elevation, the study of these rock-carvings is possible only during summer months. What were ancient peoples recording at this windswept site? Recognizable are Goats and mouflons (wild sheep), hunters with bows and arrows, celestial symbols, and our guide pointed out what is believed to be a man and a woman locally referred to as Adam and Eve. Archeologists identify some of the animals we saw as gazelles, deer, aurochs (an extinct type of cattle), horses, boars, dogs, wolves, jackals, panthers, bears and lions. Boats, houses, spears, and shields, ploughs, and carts as well as a river symbol can be found. The magnetism of the Ughtasar Petroglyphs site is not only the power of its deep spiritual history but also its pristine natural beauty. We traveled a short into the hills beyond and set up for a picnic lunch. Hasmik Asatrian-Azoyan who runs the comfortable Basenn Hotel in Syunik has accompanied many of the research teams studying the site. An energetic young business woman, she is among the few Armenians who have climbed Mount Ararat in Turkey near the border of Armenia. She walked with me pointing out more petroglyphs on the boulders in the grassy, rocky fields full of flowers and butterflies in the clean crisp mountain air. As we roamed the mountainside we quietly contemplated the artistry and intent of the ancient people who had left evidence of their lives and imaginations for us to ponder. How many people speak English: 40% What it s like as an English speaker: Although bordered by Turkey and Iran, this cradle of Christianity on the western edge of Asia remains Europe s final frontier and a blessing to English-only speakers. Armenians get languages: The country enjoys a 98% literacy rate, and most Armenians under 30 speak English with flair -- often with a British accent (many attend schools there and it percolates). Although Americans rarely visit Armenia, Europeans do, so instead of translating a dozen languages for them, road signage, menus, and venues are also in English. Chances are high you ll meet someone who knows where you re from (they all have relatives living in the States), and you probably already know someone with Armenian roots. Eighty percent of Armenian surnames end in either -ian or -yan -- think Washingtonian, Smithsonian, or OK, sure, Kardashian. What Armenia has to offer: Picture ancient Europe but cooler and way cheaper. This Connecticut-sized country has thousands of mind-boggling monasteries and churches, several of which are uncrowded UNESCO World Heritage Sites. High living is low-cost; you can go to a world-class opera for the price of a movie ticket, while cabs, cafés, wine, beer, and groceries are enjoyed at 1960s US prices. It s also on the legendary Silk Road, with one still-standing Armenian motel, Orbelian s Caravanserai, built in 1331, where road-warrior merchants and their caravan-pulling animals rocked medieval happy hours, and so should you. Page 10 Page 11

7 10 THINGS I LEARNT ABOUT ARMENIA (Fragments) Sucheta Rawal THE BEST SUMMER SCENERY FROM ARMENIA (Photo Blog) Amanda Villa- Lobos I have a confession to make. Until recently I didn t know much about this tiny country the size of Maryland. I have only 3 friends from Armenia. I did go to an Armenian restaurant once while I was in Russia and have visited the Armenian quarters in Jerusalem. That is pretty much all my exposure to Armenian food and culture, until now. Fortunately, I was invited by TATON and USAID on a media trip to Armenia for 10 days. Here are some of the things I learned Armenia is located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It was not always landlocked. The current day landmass is actually 1/10 of what it used to be at its peak. The history of Armenia dates back to early civilization. One of the caves we visited had the world s earliest known leather shoe, skit, and wine-producing facility dating back to 4000 BC. Noah s Ark is said to have landed on the peak of Mount Ararat (then Armenia, now Turkey) during the biblical flood. Mount Ararat is the highest peak in Armenian Highlands and Turkey. Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a nation in 301 AD, though Christianity was practiced before that. There are over 3,000 churches and monasteries in the country, making it the highest per capita Christian monuments in a small area of land. Incidentally, many modern Armenians are not religious. Volcanic regions in the Lesser Caucasus mountains and Armenian highlands. Canyoning, rock climbing and hiking can be enjoyed all over the country. Monastery of Tatev in southern Armenia For a country its size, Armenia has the most varied landscapes. You can find snow year round on top of its highest peaks, mountainous terrains, colorful valleys, deep gorges, and one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. While Yerevan is a bustling modern city, scantly populated villages across the country are mostly rural. A fraction of our dinner table in Armenia The food scene in Armenia is amazing! The cuisine has influences of it s neighboring cultures and different parts of Armenia have regionalized dishes. Every meal is a festive occasion where families and friends come together over piles of plates of fresh salads, cheese, bread, meat and fruit. My mouth salivated as I saw picture perfect fruits and nuts at the farmers market in Yerevan. They taste as good as they look! An aerial view of the area while paragliding over lake Sevan. Marmashen Monastery 10th-century Armenian monastic complex consisting of 5 churches. Lake Sevan is a nice place to relax, swim and eat fresh catch such as crayfish and whitefish. Fresh fruits at GUM market in Yerevan The wines are great too. It seems everyone in Armenia makes their wine and harvests their own honey. The wine making tradition has been going on for 6k years and no special records have been kept of it. You can buy 1 liter of homemade wine for 1000 Drams (less than $2). There are also excellent wineries around the country that aregaining popularity in the international scene. Khachkar at historic cemeteries, or Armenian cross-stones, give lots of good information about daily life. Wine tasting at Vozkevaz winery The people in Armenia are extremely friendly. If you meet someone for the first time, they will invite you to dine with them and give you small presents. This happened to me at multiple occassions. My American friends who live there safely hitchhike around the country as a mode of transport. There is practically no crime, though gender divides give rise to domestic violence. The canyon where Noravank monastery is situatied looks something like Utah. Aerial view of the valley from Wings of Tatev, the longest non-stop double track cable car in the world. Tatev monastery stands against a beautiful backdrop in the southern part of the country bordering with Iran. Page 12 Page 13

8 ANI Province of Turkey - Kars RABAT CASTLE Region of Georgia - Samtskhe-Javakheti TBILISI 1000 years ago, Ani was probably the most important and largest city in the world. Much of Ani is now gone, a once mighty city of 100,000 ruined by the desuetude of time and invasions by Byzantine, Turk and Mongol forces. In 961 the Armenian Bagratuni king Ashot III the Merciful transferred his royal seat from Kars to Ani and declared it Armenia s capital. Strategically placed at a fulcrum of the Silk Road connecting Europe with the Caspian, Persia, Russia, India and China, the city s importance grew in the 10th century when wars between the Arabs and the Byzantine Empire made the trade route along the Euphrates unsafe for caravans. R abati Castle is a medieval castle complex in Akhaltsikhe, Georgia. Built in the 13th century, initially was called the Lomisa castle until it was conquered by Ottomans. According to The Georgian Chronicles the city was established in the 9th century by Guaram Mampal, son of the King of Tao. From the 13th to the end of 14th centuries it was the capital city of Samtskhe-Saatabago, ruled by the Georgian princely (mtavari) family and a ruling dynasty of the Principality of Samtskhe, the House of Jaqeli. The Bagratunis enlarged their city, built a series of outer walls and spanned the Akhurian River with bridges to shepherd richly-laden caravans to Europe and the East. The chronicler Aristakes of Lastiver, who lived through and recorded the glories and fall of the Bagratuni kingdom, described Ani in his own eloquent way. He wrote that Ani was like a large garden, verdant, clothed in foliage, laden with flowers and fruit... Captured by the Byzantines in 1045, Ani was then taken by Seljuks in The city lost its power. There was a short rebirth in the 13th century under the Zakarians, before it was destroyed during the invasion of the Mongols and the forces of Timur Lenk. Continuous wars and heavy taxes imposed by foreign rulers forced the population of Ani into mass immigration in the 15th century. VARDZIA Region of Georgia - Samtskhe-Javakheti TBILISI V ardzia is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Kura River, thirty kilometres from Aspindza. The main period of construction was the second half of the twelfth century. The caves stretch along the cliff for some five hundred metres and in up to nineteen tiers. The Church of the Dormition, dating to the 1180s during the golden age of Tamar and Rustaveli, has an important series of wall paintings. The site was largely abandoned after the Ottoman takeover in the sixteenth century. Now part of a state heritage reserve, the extended area of Vardzia-Khertvisi has been submitted for future inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since 1985 the site has formed part of the Vardzia Historical Architectural Museum-Reserve, which includes forty-six architectural sites, twelve archaeological sites, and twenty-one sites of monumental art. Page 14 Page 15

9 Region of Armenia - Shirak YEREVAN GIUMRY PROJECT SUCCESS The tour covers the site of Kumayri preserve-museum, allowing you to take a closer look at the historic houses, workshops, taverns, guesthouses and museums that make up Old Gyumri (formerly known as Alexandropl). During the tour you can savor the 19th century urban atmosphere of Gyumri, a blend of local and European (including Russian) architectural styles which transform the city into a unique spot in Eastern Armenia. Alexandropol. Armenian Belle Époque (late 19th century early 20th century) The city s diverse ethnic, religious and occupation groups were divided into districts (mahlans), each with its own name. Among them were Frangneri (Catholic), Urumneri (Greek), Boshi (sievers), Geghtsonts (peasants), Slabodka (Russian) and Turki (Turkish). Ostentatious houses were a common feature, regardless of the owners social strata. Most of the houses had inner and outer yards. Inner yards were used for domestic purposes only and were concealed from the outside world. WINERY TOUR YEREVAN Region of Armenia - Vayots Dzor Roman historians noting the export of Armenian wine throughout the known world. Before, Urartian texts noted the advanced state of viticulture in Armenia in the 8th century BCE and a 2500 year old wine cellar was found at Karmir Blur in Yerevan. The 5th century BCE Greek historian Xenophon in his Anabasis or The March Upcountry, records Armenian wine production, writing, There were stores within of wheat and barley and vegetables, and wine (perhaps ale?) made from barley in great big bowls The beverage without admixture of water was very strong, and of a delicious flavor to certain palates, but the taste must be acquired. Medieval exports of Armenian wine found its way to Europe; documents say agents of the Lithuanian king bought Armenian wine for the Vilnius court. Production stopped after the forced migration of Armenians to Isfahan in 1604, though the strongest vines survived to the 19th century, when cultivation resumed. BRIDGES is a concept that, from the very beginning, has aimed at linking people and building trust. Through helping to build cultural bridges between Armenia and Turkey and combining the cultural showcase at the festivals with affinity tours to TWs and bloggers, we did our best to Tell our story on a broad base: online and in print, through social media and viral marketing. The 2 years of the Project implementation were geo-politically difficult for the whole region and especially in these times it is important to remind people of the importance of peace and mutual respect. Bridges saw an opportunity in the current situation between Turkey and Armenia, with a closed border requiring travel through western Georgia to reach the other state. Many tourists find value in adding destinations to their itinerary, and the current state of affairs does this: the BRIDGES trail links Turkey with Armenia through Georgia, adding an exotic (to many world travelers) locale to the trail. The Project s IT component enabled members to collaborate on cross-border products, using the network s mass-marketing potential in promoting the BRIDGES and de facto operator packages. The Bridges Project was a great opportunity for AMAP Human Development NGO to develop strong economic ties between Armenia and Turkey through Tourism. The main purpose of the project was to involve as many Tour Operators as possible from both sides into the process. A few major events such as New York Times Travel Show and D.C. Travel and Adventure Show, and Caravan of Dreams Press Trip took place within the project, as well as the creation of TATON (Turkish & Armenian Tour Operators Network). Both Travel shows were a great success. Seven Armenian TOs (Gardman Tours, DA Tours, Armenia Travel, Armenia Travel Bureau, Travelon, Princess Maneh, and Vis-à-Vis), 2 Turkish (Eastern Turkey Tours, EurAsia Tourism) and AMAP staff through close cooperation represented TATON and its members to a large audience. Through this, members at the events made contacts with 1700 professionals and tourists and formed joint product initiatives. TATON members have exclusive access to our Experiential Tourism Inventory and private online space for members. Caravan of Dreams Press Trip: An official invitation was sent to many of internationally known editors and travel writers to become a part of the Press Trip, which will give a chance to share with readers the scenic and cultural glories of a very special region. After a very thorough selection, 6 TWs were chosen and introduced to the whole concept of the Press Trip (destinations, activity list). This very trip taught us all to follow our dreams no matter what. The whole Press Trip was threatened to be cancelled, but after the situation was seriously evaluated, USAID Armenia granted a permission to bring to life Armenia s journey. TWs were still excited to visit an unexplored country, which would give them a new source of inspiration. After 10 days of unforgettable trip, they left the country full of new impressions and hoping that once it will become possible to continue the trip, including Turkey and Georgia. We can proudly say that we successfully met the objectives even with limited geographic coverage and fulfilled all the obligations. We are excited to state that the results of Bridges Project will be further developed by AMAP Human Development NGO through upcoming implementation of EU Black Sea Basin Cross Border cooperation framework. Sustainability of the BRIDG- ES Project goals will be ensured through creation of sustainable network of tour operators and agents in the region as well as creation of thematic experiential network activities and cross border products. Page 16 Page 17

10 SPECIAL SPONSORS Participating Partners ALSO THANKS TO: Page 18 Page 19

11 W W U.S. Embassy in Armenia Conservation of the Meghri Pokr Tagh late 17th-Century Church of St. Sargis (St. Hovhannes) funded by the US Ambassador s Fund for Cultural Preservation February 20, 2009 T Present he goal of the project is to preserve the most critically endangered parts of the late medieval Saint Sargis (Saint John the Baptist) Church in Meghri, Armenia, which is an outstanding and exceedingly rare example of the Persian-Armenian style design. Its magnificent interior frescoes are unmatched in the Caucasus and Middle East. Currently the church, and especially the frescoes, which entirely cover its interior surface, are in need of urgent intervention: specifically, alleviating water damage to the murals and the underlying structure; repairing and installing proper drainage; preserving and restoring cover tiles and mural segments critically in need; and installing climate control and thermal humidity control systems to protect and monitor the frescoes environment. Caravan of Dreams Page 20 Caravan of Dreams Page 21

12 OUR FUTURE PROGRAMMES As we grow, we enter new areas of service to the important goals of sustainable growth and rural economic development. We continue to focus on the Culture-Tourism segments as the strongest areas for near-term growth, while adding Agricultural development and cross-border cooperation with focus on natural, sustainable and organic product trade. In this latter we are using the expertise of our president, Richard Ney, who is actively engaged in organic farming. Program priorities for future plans are: - Jointly promote business and entrepreneurship in the tourism and cultural sectors. - Increase cross-border trade opportunities and modernisation in the agricultural & connected sectors. Projects Under Development: 1. BLACK SEA SILK ROAD 2 Based on the immensely successful Black Sea Silk Road Corridor funded by USAID and the EU, we propose to expand the self-guided, IT supported corridor to include 2-3 new states of the Black Sea Basin, and to focus on promotion of the currently 4000 km travel route from Greece to Persia. We will upgrade the online platform, add even more local (rural) tour service providers to the platform, develop thematic tour routes and promote the region as a destination at travel shows, social media, and events. Tour products and itineraries will be a highlight of the project. Expected results: Expanded trail promoting cross border tourism highlighting local individual providers and thematic travel. Map corridor, create self-guided experiential tourism activities and experiences, promote by IT and direct contact. Target groups/final beneficiaries: Local and rural tour service providers, local communities on the corridor, international tourists, local population. 3. CULTUR-ExP 2 Working with partners from 5 countries of the Black Sea Basin, we will expand the current cultural IT platform Cultur-Exp to include new states, and a new platform for the cultural trade of artists, performers, designers, writers, crafts persons, etc. in tourism markets. A network of Cultural Managers and professional Travel Operators will enhance the trade and economic gain for cultural suppliers while leveraging cultural producers (venues, galleries, festivals and events) using the new platform. WAn Entrepreneurship and Mentoring module will provide training and inline support to those artists wishing to engage in the trade of culture (the Creative Industry). We expect a consolidated, expanded, and working e-platform for cultural providers, managers, and producers, cross border cultural events highlighting and promoting the online platform generating inter- target economic activity. Target groups/final beneficiaries: Cultural providers, agents and managers, and producers, local cultural places and venues, local populations, cross-border international audiences. 4. AGRO-PACITY/ SEED BANKS TO PRESERVE REGIONAL HEIRLOOM HERITAGE Create regional seed banks to preserve endangered and heirloom varieties to militate against the loss of economic systems and agricultural activities due to climate change. Develop a trading platform for the cooperation and trade of sustainable, organic products throughout the target region (4-6 states of the Black Sea Basin). We expect a working platform of organic providers, sellers and buyers, and regional multi-state seed banks preserving endangered and heirloom varieties. Target groups/final beneficiaries: Agricultural providers, professionals in agents, local, regional and national agro-environmental agents, communities, local population, environment. 2. DMO-BLACK SEA TOURISM NETWORK This project will develop from the successes of the USAID-funded Bridges Project, but include stakeholders and beneficiaries from up to 6 states of the Black Sea Basin. The project will create a sustainable network of Destination Marketing professionals in the region. Using the tools of experiential Tourism, and the professional expertise of destination managers and tour providers, the project will create inter-regional tour products and cross-border itineraries, their online and live promotion. We expect a resulting functioning, sustainable network of professional tour providers promoting and offering joint cross border touristic products. Target groups/final beneficiaries: Professional tour agents and operators, local services and population, international travelers. Page 22 Page 23

13 For more information