Armenia hosts 8th UNWTO Global Wine Tourism Forum, aiming to boost economy and wine recognition

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YEREVAN, September 12. /ARKA/. Armenia is hosting the 8th UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Wine Tourism Forum, seen as a historic opportunity to promote both its tourism potential and its emerging wine industry./pp

Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan, Executive Director of the Armenian Viticulture and Winemaking Fund Zaruhi Muradyan, and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili have all highlighted the significance of the event for Armenia's economic development./pp

Minister Papoyan emphasized the global importance of wine and tourism as rapidly growing sectors, stating, This is a historic opportunity for us to showcase Armenia's tourism potential and winemaking. He noted that despite Armenia’s high-quality wines, their international recognition remains limited. The forum provides a platform to enhance the visibility of Armenian wines, especially in key markets like the U.S. and China./pp

Papoyan added that over 120 wine experts, influencers, and tourism specialists from 20 countries are attending the forum, which he believes will help Armenia's wines gain international traction. Long-term marketing campaigns, he stressed, are crucial for positioning Armenia in the competitive global wine market./pp

Papoyan also touched on the ongoing grape harvest, revealing that prices have significantly increased compared to previous years, with some companies paying as much as 150 drams per kilogram. The rise in prices reflects the growing value of Armenian wine production./pp

Zaruhi Muradyan underscored the importance of hosting international experts and media, which she believes will introduce innovative practices to Armenia’s wine tourism sector. Armenia, with its rich winemaking traditions, has great potential for developing guesthouses and wine tourism, which can boost local communities and family incomes, she noted./pp

Muradyan highlighted that international guests will visit Armenian wineries and cultural landmarks, further raising the country’s profile as a wine destination./pp

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili described Armenia as an ideal location for wine tourism, given its deep-rooted winemaking traditions. He pointed out that 80% of forum participants were visiting Armenia for the first time and regretted not having more time to explore the country. Armenia is a perfect place for wine tourism, as winemaking is part of its identity and culture, he remarked./pp br/p