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Abstract
The paper examines the prospective role which wine tourism could play
in the rural and in the much needed overall economic development of Armenia. It
begins with a brief description of the antique origin and the present economic
situation of the wine sector in Armenia, followed by a description of recent trends
in the tourist sector as a whole in Armenia. The particular features of wine tourism
are examined in relation to Armenia and to other wine producing countries.
Attention is then concentrated on a specific region of Armenia, Vayots Dzor, which
is particularly important for wine production, and is also endowed with historical
monuments with great potential for the development of tourism. The case of one
particular village is illustrated in some detail in order to indicate how tourism in
general, and specifically wine tourism could be developed for the benefit of the
rural community. The paper concludes by outlining a strategy to be followed to
achieve the growth of the sector.