THE IMPORTANCE OF ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ON THE EXAMPLE OF SPECIALLY PROTECTED NATURE AREAS OF RA IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONS

Abstract

The article explores various aspects of the potential for ecotourism development within Armenia's Specially Protected Nature Areas (SPNA’s). With growing global interest in sustainable travel practices, ecotourism presents a promising avenue for promoting conservation efforts while simultaneously providing socio-economic benefits to local communities. Armenia's SPNAs, characterized by their rich biodiversity and unique landscapes, offer an ideal setting for ecotourism initiatives, however, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited visitor facilities, insufficient marketing strategies and absence of data analytics hinder the realization of ecotourism potential in SPNA’s. By capitalizing on the natural and cultural assets of SPNAs and adopting sustainable tourism practices, Armenia has the opportunity to establish itself as a leading ecotourism destination in the region, attracting environmentally conscious travelers and contributing to the country's socio-economic development. The primary objective of the article is to assess the existing situation of the recent 5 years by providing respective data analysis, as well as highlight the gaps and opportunities, ultimately striving for a balanced and sustainable outcome both for affected communities and natural ecosystems.