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Simferopol hosted a round table dealing with a Concept for rural tourism development in Crimea. The event was organized by the UNDP-led Crimea Integration and Development Programme jointly with the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA).
The concept had been elaborated in March-June 2010 within a joint UNDP CIDP/TIKA project. As part of the project, the UNDP CIDP carried out demand and supply analysis, SWOT-analysis, and made inquiries to relevant ministries, public organizations, etc.
“The concept regards rural tourism as a modern and efficient tool for rural development and poverty reduction”, noted Andriy Shevtsov, UNDP CIDP rural tourism development specialist. “Being implemented, the concept will enable to create new jobs and increase income of rural dwellers, boost local budget revenues, enhance social infrastructure, preserve sights and traditions of the Peninsula”.
The elaboration of the document involved all parties concerned – representatives of relevant ministries, local government as well as owners of green tourism sites. It will form the basis for a republican programme, the importance of which is understood both by the UNDP CIDP and the Crimean government.
“This document is comprehensive… But the concept will remain ink on paper unless it is further implemented”, underscored Larisa Torbach, representative of the Ministry of Economy of Crimea. “It is today that we should define next steps and start elaborating a sound all-inclusive programme… till 2015”.
“To develop the programme we need a strong working group”, she added. “Our round table is a council of experts. It has brought together people who are directly involved in rural tourism development. And if we take an active part in the working group, we will obtain good results”.
Discussing the concept on the UNDP CIDP website will be the first step in this direction. The participants of the round table will read the document once more and will leave their comments and opinions.
Draft version of rural tourism development concept (in Russian)
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