Yerevan, Armenia is set to host the 8th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism from September 11-13, 2024, a pivotal event highlighting the importance of preserving heritage through wine tourism. Themed “Heritage in Every Bottle: Crafting Authentic Wine Tourism Experiences,” the conference, co-organized by Armenia’s Ministry of Economy, aims to bridge traditional practices with contemporary approaches to benefit local communities.
The conference will showcase exemplary practices from renowned wine regions across the globe, including Italy’s Strada del Barolo, France’s Bourgogne, and Argentina’s Mendoza. Participants will gain valuable insights from leaders of the Iter Vitis – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, learning about successful network building strategies within the wine tourism sector.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasizes the burgeoning popularity of wine tourism, not only among tourists but also as a vital driver of rural growth and a protector of cultural heritage. He expresses enthusiasm about welcoming industry leaders to Yerevan for the conference.
Susanna Hakobyan, Acting Head of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Armenia, highlights Armenia’s unique position as a host for the conference, given its millennia-old winemaking tradition and rich cultural heritage. She believes the conference provides a crucial platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advancing the global dialogue on wine tourism.
The conference program includes a diverse array of presentations by prominent figures in the wine industry, including the globally acclaimed Catena Zapata. Workshops will be held at Armenia’s historic sites, such as the Areni-1 cave, recognized as the world’s oldest winery. These workshops will cover a wide range of topics, from e-commerce applications in wine tourism to the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Renowned experts like Jochen Heussner from Italy, along with Alder Yarrow, Paul Wagner, and Gergely Szolnoki, will lead discussions on modern communication and digital strategies, sharing their expertise on expanding wine tourism’s reach and impact on a global audience. The conference promises to be a rich and engaging experience for all participants, offering valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration within the global wine tourism community.
