Optimizing Rural Tourism

Rural tourism plays an increasingly important role in Georgia’s economic development, creating new opportunities for rural communities while helping preserve local traditions, environment and cultural identity.

To support this process, the Women’s Rooms Union has launched a series of practical trainings on how to start and develop rural tourism based on the new  Farmer Handbook for Rural Tourism Ventures developed by Nata Sisvadze, Alliances Caucasus Programme Team Member. The handbook is a vastly practical guide, signposting the main issues to think about and act upon in developing a rural tourism venture and enumerating existing resources such as advertising on Facebook, or government agencies who offer help with information or training. The first training was conducted in Keda municipality, while upcoming trainings will be held in Akhmeta and Oni municipalities.

On 20–21 May, more than 50 local women and men, including entrepreneurs and farmers, were brought together in Keda Municipality for a two-day practical training on rural tourism development, where they gained both theoretical and practical knowledge on how authentic rural environments, traditions, local experiences and natural resources can be transformed into successful tourism products. The training focused on developing rural tourism skills, identifying local opportunities and using practical tools, encouraging rural inhabitants to explore and start developing rural tourism ventures. It also equipped participants with practical materials, templates and recommendations to continue developing their initiatives independently.

As part of the program, participants received a copy of the handbook  and certificates were  awarded upon completion of the training.

The Women’s Rooms Union is facilitated by the ALCP2 programme, implemented by Mercy Corps Georgia. The ALCP2 is funded by the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) in collaboration with the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and Sweden.