The World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors today approved a $100 million project to improve access to resilient infrastructure and strengthen the role of tourism in the economy of Armenia.

The project will create job opportunities, attract private investments, and benefit local communities and visitors in seven prioritized areas across the country.

The Tourism and Regional Infrastructure Improvement Project aims to address key constraints in Armenia’s tourism sector.

“Over 1 million residents and visitors annually are expected to benefit from better roads, improved access to urban infrastructure services and enhanced tourism experiences in the project areas. Through the promotion of tourism practices that provide more durable returns and the improvement of business and professional skills within the tourism value chain, the project will help maximize the economic and job creation potential of tourism regions outside of the capital,” the news release reads.

“By improving infrastructure and encouraging sustainable tourism, this project will not only make key destinations more attractive but will also help create jobs and drive local economic growth,” said Carolin Geginat, World Bank Country Manager for Armenia.

It is noted that the project will also strengthen the capacity of the institutions involved in the tourism sector, promote the participation of the private sector, and support actions that promote resilience against disasters in seven tourism areas: Areni, Dilijan, Dvin, Goris, Gyumri, Jermuk, and Yeghegis.