New Multimedia E-Book To Help Boost Tourism In Vayots Dzor
YEREVAN – USAID “My Armenia” Program implemented by the Smithsonian Institution and AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) have joined efforts to develop a multimedia e-book about Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia’s most beautiful provinces, to boost regional tourism and cultural preservation. On February 27, 2018, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) hosted the launch of the new e-book.
“We are trying to align our socio-economic development projects with the strategic priorities of the Armenian government. AGBU actively supports the innovative ideas and products that contribute to the development of tourism as one of the most dynamic and promising sectors in Armenia,” said Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Armenia President and AGBU Central Board Member.
During his opening remarks at the event, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills said: “The My Armenia project is creating economic opportunities and improving livelihoods for people in Armenia’s rural communities. The multimedia Vayots Dzor e-book is the first in a series of unique online guides that will encourage tourists to explore Armenia’s natural beauty, its rich culture and hospitable people, and, most importantly to get out of Yerevan. Don’t get me wrong, this is a lovely city, but Vayots Dzor and the other marzes have so much to offer and tourists need to know about it – which is where these e-books come in.”
The Vayots Dzor e-book is the most comprehensive travel resource for tourists planning their trip to the region. It introduces the history, nature and cultural heritage of Vayots Dzor in an interactive and visually engaging manner, and provides rich information about the local architecture, archeology, adventure activities, festivals and events, cuisine and accommodation.
The e-book is part of AVC’s Multimedia e-Book Series available in seven languages. Two other e-books, The Armenian Highland and Exploring Yerevan, were published earlier. The e-books are available for free download on smartphones, tablets and PCs.
“AVC is proud to partner with the My Armenia program and the Smithsonian Institution in our mission of introducing the wealth of the Armenian heritage to the world,” said Dr. Yervant Zorian, the AVC Founding President. “We started our popular Multimedia e-Book Series in an effort to extend the knowledge from AVC’s virtual classrooms to the public at large. The new e-book uses creative state-of-the-art solutions to promote the richness and diversity of Vayots Dzor’s nature and history and was designed to contribute to the greater number of tourists in the region.”
“The My Armenia Program brings in USAID’s and the Smithsonian’s expertise to demonstrate the productive relationship that can transpire between culture and economic development. Enhanced and diversified cultural heritage tourism offerings developed by My Armenia in close cooperation with our key partners such as AGBU and Armenian Virtual College can stimulate sustainable economic growth in rural communities while preserving Armenia’s rich cultural heritage,” said Sisak Mkhitaryan, My Armenia Program Manager.
The Vayots Dzor e-book has already received positive reviews from tourism industry professionals and local businesses. Zarmine Zeytuntsyan, the head of the State Committee for Tourism of the RA Ministry of Economic Development and Investments, noted that such e-books will not only provide information and guidance to tourists in Armenia, but will also inform e-library users in other countries about Armenia's rich history, nature and culture, encouraging them to visit our country. My Armenia and AVC plan to continue the collaboration and develop e-books for other regions of Armenia.
The Vayots Dzor e-book can be downloaded at https://www.avc-agbu.org/en/virtual_experience/eBooks/4.html
The trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk87ROMzFPU
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AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC):
AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) is an accredited online learning institution that facilitates Armenian Studies through new technologies. Launched in 2009, AVC classes are open to anyone interested in Armenian Studies, creating a virtual classroom for students who do not have access to traditional, face-to-face Armenian educational programs, while supplementing the curriculum of those who do. AVC’s mission is to build a virtual learning community that fosters cultural education and social ties across the globe.
Established in 1906, AGBU is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 500,000 Armenians around the world.
For more information about AVC and its programs, please visit www.avc-agbu.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OnlineArmenianEducation
Twitter: https://twitter.com/avcagbu
Google Plus: /+avc-agbuorg
My Armenia Program:
The My Armenia program is funded by USAID and implemented by the Smithsonian Institution. My Armenia supports the sustainability of Armenian cultural heritage through the development of an inclusive and dynamic tourism sector that engages and benefits Armenian communities across the country. Follow the project’s activities in Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyArmeniaProgram/
