Analyzing the Demand of Agritourism for International Tourist in Armenia

Abstract

This paper summarises the arguments and counterarguments in the frame of the scientific discussion on the issue of agritourism development in Armenia. The research aims at analyzing the demand for agritourism development for international tourists in Armenia, find out their needs. The analysis of the available literature sources and approaches shows the essence of agritourism, its activities, functions, needs of tourists. Armenia has a rich history and culture, beautiful nature, delicious cuisine, Armenian villages have a traditional way of life and ethnic diversity. All these factors are important for developing agritourism in rural places offering various activities for tourists: participation in agricultural activities, farming, animal care, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, beekeeping, carpet weaving, handicrafts, harvesting, winemaking, making national dishes, baking bread, also visiting historical and cultural places, participation in various festivals, etc. Investigation of the topic in the paper is carried out in the following rational arrangement. The essence and significance of agritourism in the literature are discussed, then a survey is done among international tourists to find out their needs. The results of the empirical analysis are presented in the paper, which shows that Armenia is considered a quiet and beautiful place for tourists who wish to rest in Armenian rural places, participate in many activities. The Pearson Chi-square testing shows some significant relationships between some factors. Mainly unmarried people want to rest in rural places alone or with friends, and they are willing to pay more than married people who have children. The tourists have also made some suggestions for agritourism development in Armenia: making everything more natural and fresher, doing good marketing, organizing pieces of training for local people and farmers, etc. The research results may be useful for developing agritourism in rural areas by organizing good strategies and marketing plans. Keywords: agritourism, agritourism activities, marketing, rural places, tourism.