YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Based on the principle of balanced development of territories, large-scale projects are being launched in 9 cities of Armenia, 5 of which have already been initiated, minister of territorial administration and development David Lokyan said after the consultation on tourism development in Jermuk, headed by President Serzh Sargsyan.

“We are talking about a loan project worth approximately 50 million dollars, which is provided by the Asian Development Bank for realizing the first stage of the project. The first stage includes the cities of Vanadzor, Jermuk, Dilijan, Tsakhkadzor and Ashtarak. 20 million USD is planned for development of Vanadzor, 10 million for Jermuk, 6 million for Dilijan, 10 million for Tsakhkadzor and 4 million for Ashtarak. The private sector will also be involved in the works, and we expect this volume to at least multiply in volumes and we will have huge infrastructures, tourism and leisure zones and other attractive projects in those areas”, the minister said.

He said the project will be continuous. The second stage will include another 5 cities. Gyumri will be part of the project. The minister said the loan project will come into force in September of 2017, after being approved by the Parliament in May-June.

“In addition, the President has been briefed on a new project implemented by us. Russia provided a 3 million USD grant to Armenia for solving the issues of village tourism, which will include around 60 village settlement. This project aims at boosting village tourism”, Lokyan said.

According to the minister, one of the priority steps of the abovementioned project will be in Amasia: near the Arpi Lake, the idea of creating a summer and winter tourism center.

“Another part of village tourism will be in regard of Stepanavan region. Another part might be transferred and realized in Berd, Tavush. The list will be ready in a month. We are being assisted by the UN’s corresponding structure, which helps to select settlements which have prospects of village tourism development”, Lokyan said.

During a working visit to Vayots Dzor province, President Serzh Sargsyan held a consultation with tourism officials, where the prospects of tourism development were discussed.