The project aims to foster employment by improving competitiveness of SMEs (Small and MediumEnterprises) in tourism sector in the central part of the Vayots Dzor marz. The Objectives will be achieved through the promotion of environmentally and financially sustainable practices, particularly, environmental friendly tourism (eco-tourism) combined with the adoption of renewable energy sources and efficient energy practices.

This region provides interesting tourism sites and opportunities, which, if packaged and promoted properly, would become an attractive ecotourism cluster. In addition, the area within this cluster includes a wide range of natural and historic monuments with high potential tourism.

In this context there are two challenges:

• To be able to take advantage of the high potential of the target region Vayots Dzor marz as an attractive destination for tourism;
• To enhance the economic competitiveness of region through promotion and wider use of sustainable innovative technologies.