Many people have heard about agritourism, rural tourism or agricultural tourism. For some it may sound interesting, attractive and challenging, others consider it to be boring and a waste of time. Just give us some time and we will show you the village life and everything you can experience there. But first, let’s make it clear what agritourism in Armenia really is.
What is Agritourism in General?
Agritourism is type of travel in the countryside, during which travelers are engaged in rural work. Agritourism has many benefits. One of the advantages of agritourism is that it can have a significant impact on job creation for villagers and give them an opportunity to earn additional money. Agritourism is a perfect way to experience what agriculture really is. With the help of agritourism some villagers have turned their homes and farms into tourist destinations. By visiting them, you will have an unforgettable and unique experience.
Agritourism is also relatively less expensive. Thus, by saving your money, you will contribute to the prosperity of local communities.
In short, agritourism is a phenomenon that combines agriculture and tourism.
Agritourism in Armenia
Armenia is a country that has great resources for agritourism. Almost every village in Armenia has something to show and astonish. Armenian villages and the lifestyle of the villagers is something exotic and attractive to many tourists. That is why this type of tourism has a great potential in Armenia. The development of agritourism in Armenia will reduce the level of poverty in the villages and contribute to an equal territorial development. It will also help prepare local communities for effective tourism business management. Agritourism will contribute to the development of the community as a tourist destination.
Taking an agricultural tour through Armenia will give you a chance to travel around the most interesting villages filled with Armenian spirit and a chance to be acquainted with the life of the local people. During this trip, you will be able to taste delicious natural homemade products, take part in various Armenian food and drink master classes.
Agritourism also promotes the development of Sustainable tourism in Armenia, for which the development of Ecotourism and Ethnic tourism in Armenia is also very essential.
In order to create an image of what Armenia can offer to an agritourist, let’s see what life in the villages of Armenia looks like.
Life in the villages of Armenia
Being far from the main roads and popular travel destinations makes villages of Armenia a perfect place to experience authentic rural life. As a rule, there are no supermarkets and shopping centers in Armenian villages and if people need to buy something, they have to go to the nearest large city.
Armenian villagers are very curious. If you find yourself in any Armenian village, first they will invite you to their house, will give you a numerous questions, and then they will start to show you their house. Nearly each house has its small garden where people grow as much products as possible. However, as a rule, they will not be limited to a house tour. Depending on the season, they will convince you to taste and appreciate their homemade dishes. Beware of their homemade vodka, as it is very strong and in case of drinking too much you will not be responsible for your behavior.
Life in villages is very different from life in the capital or other large cities.
In villages, people usually go to bed early to get up at sunrise. They usually wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning and try to do as much work as possible before the sun goes down. They plant, cultivate, harvest, and graze their animals in the mountains. This is a never-ending job.
Summer months are difficult for villagers. They work very hard to prepare food for the winter. During the summer and early autumn, after the harvest, they make various preparations for the winter, such as fruit jams, dried fruits and etc.
Activities in the villages
People in the villages support each other. For example, if someone is planning a celebration at home (wedding, baptism, etc.), all residents will help with the preparation. Anyone who is good at baking, will be responsible for the sweets on the festive table, someone else will make dolma. Everyone has their own duties that they must fulfill. Therefore, these preparations usually turn into a ceremony, accompanied by national songs and dances. Once participating in such ceremony you will understand what a real “team building” is.
Lavash baking is another special ceremony in the villages of Armenia. In villages, people have special small bakery, which is called tonir or tandoor (an underground clay pit). Several families get together and bake bread for the next few days.
Every evening, after the animals return from the mountains, the woman of the house goes to milk the cows. After milking the cows, she makes different homemade dairy products with fresh milk, such as cheese, sour cream, matsun (sour yogurt).
This is the everyday routine of Armenian villagers. With agritourism, you too can become a part of this life.
Therefore, if you want to have a real experience of agritourism in Armenia, you can contact us and we will make an individual program for you, which will meet all your requirements.
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