One of the very first emotions that is awakened in us for the Armenian highland is the admiration of nature, though having an experience in working with tourists we must say that they are attracted by the places of interest than in nature, as once an Australian tourist, Ruth Forbes said: “I am much interested in the cultural and architectural monuments and holy places, and the nature is typic for each country. In this regard, the opening of Tatev – Halidzor ropeway will open a new for the tourism development in our country and make the visitors’ access to Tatev Monastery much easier. The official opening ceremony of Tatev – Halidzor ropeway is going to be held on October 16, 2010.
According to Artashes Kazakhetsyan, the Member of Council of National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia (NCFA), the president of the RA, His Holiness Garegin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and other official and public figures will be present at the opening ceremony. The residents of Syunik Region involved in event planning will handle numerous tasks, such as presenting interesting souvenirs, pictures and other hand-made works, which is very important especially for the tourism potential disclosure. “Construction works are at the final stage and testing works are already launched. Besides, we’ll implement works on gardening and improvement the nearest territory of the ropeway, such as cleaning the area, planting trees and etc.”, stated Mr. Kazakhetsyan.
It’s noteworthy mentioning that construction works of Tatev – Halidzor ropeway began in February 2010 after NCFA and “Garaventa” Austrian-Swiss Company had signed the contract to implement the construction works of the ropeway. Artashes Kazakhetsyan stated that the works will be finished until September 31, and this will somehow become the world’s longest passenger aerial tramway with the length of 5.750 kilometers. Each funicular cab (two cabs) includes 25 persons.
This will make the monastery accessible even in winter, contributing to the extension of the tourism season in Armenia “Though we experienced a great decrease in the tourism field, we hope to increase the state up to 20% at the end of the year and in future as well.” Armenian tourism has gre at untapp ed p otential. Southern Armenia exemplifies the possibilities for the development of new tourism experiences rooted in historical monuments, natural assets, and Armenia’s authentic rural culture. One of the frontrunner projects in the Competitiveness Foundation’s tourism development program is centered on the 9th century Tatev monastic complex. Tatev is in need of conservation and is isolated due to its forbidding location, perched at the far side of a deep river gorge. The tourism activi ty currently revolving around this mighty complex corresponds to only a fraction of its potential. Mr. Kazakhetsyan stated “Tatev Revival Project” includes the restoration and conservation of the monastery in accordance with the highest international standards. The construction works have already begun and it is envisaged to complete the restoration of monetary complex in 2014.
Within the fram ework of PR activities it is planned to contribute to the promotion of Tatev
Ropeway ads broadcasting and production of television programs in abroad, on CNN and EuroNews. The media sector is greatly involved in this event, as a number of magazines and newspapers have been highlighting the event. Besides, special tour packages are going to be made which will make the travellers visit the country’s southern parts; Goris, Kapan, Meghri and Tatev Monastery in particular. So, summarizing in my own words, I must say, that the program first, carries a cognitive idea by forming a kind of scholarly tradition, as residents and tourists will be informed about the most important centers of Armenian art and science, and second, it will increase the possibilities for the development of new tourism in Southern Armenia.