Consulting Services for Development of Yeghegis Tourism Cluster Vision

Project: P150327 - Local Economy and Infrastructure Development Project Reference: TRIP-QBS-DYCV-03 Procurement method: Quality Based Selection Financing: World Bank REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES - FIRMS SELECTION) Republic of Armenia Local Economy and Infrastructure Development (LEID) Project Loan No.: P150327 Assignment Title: Consulting Services for Development of Yeghegis Tourism Cluster Vision Reference No .: TRIP-QBS-DYCV-03 The Government of Armenia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Local Economy and Infrastructure Development (LEID) Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services. The Local Economy and Infrastructure Development Project (LEIDP) is expected to result in higher economic growth and employment in the selected regions. Project activities intend to focus on improving the quality and reliability of municipal infrastructure; supporting the tourism and agribusiness development; and creating an enabling environment to attract private sector investments. The Armenian Territorial Development Fund (ATDF) under the LEID project Component 2: Institutional Development, seeks consultancy services for development Yeghegis Tourism Cluster Vision for Armenia Tourism and Regional Infrastructure Development Project (P179968). Yeghegis cluster is part of the country-level tourism clusterization strategy to be adopted by the Armenian Government. Among 20 clusters identified by the strategy, Yeghegis tourism cluster aims to develop as a year-round cluster focus on cultural and adventure tourism. The cluster aims to attract both international and domestic visitors by offering diverse tourism experiences such as cultural and adventure tourism. The main objectives of the cluster include developing a competitive destination for cultural and adventure tourism, attracting new investors, creating new jobs, and improving the standards of living for the locals. Yeghegis is a captivating area nestled in the heart of the Vayots Dzor region. With medieval roots, Yeghegis offers a window into Armenia's rich cultural past. Surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Vayots Dzor, Yeghegis is an ideal destination for those seeking both cultural exploration and natural beauty. Visitors can explore ancient churches and monastic complexes, whilst also participating in adventurous activities such as freeride skiing and hiking. At the moment a huge part of incoming tourists to Vayots Dzor, are only visiting key sites such as Noravank Monastery. Developing the Yeghegis cluster will help to direct part of this influx into a new well-designed direction. Within the Yeghegis tourism cluster, the focus of interventions within Armenia Tourism and Regional Infrastructure Development Project would be put on but not limited with the available resources, whose potential has not been revealed at its fullest and used yet. The list of nearby settlements that might be included in the cluster are: Yeghegis (Center), Arates, Hermon, Goghtanik, Artabuynk, Shatin, Hors. The possible investment components might include: (i) restoration, reconstruction of Smbataberd, Proshaberd fortresses, Tsakhats Kar, Spitakavor St. Astvatsatsin, Hermon, Shativanq, Arets monasteries, Chesar Orbelian palace; (ii) develop and improve hiking trails in the areas adjacent to these cultural sites; (iii) construction of parking lots, next to cultural sites, public infrastructure, including bathrooms, rest areas, furnishing of tourist and road signs, as necessary; (iv) establishing a solar photovoltaic station for emerging businesses, as the hotels operating there currently have electricity problems, and overhaul of external street lighting system; (v) construction of water and sewage system (currently operating hotels have problems with water supply); (vi) improve the sections of Yeghegis, Hermon, Goghtanik villages roads that are used as access locations for freeride skiers (roads need redeveloping to fit with the natural environment, rather than being asphalted); (vii) help and support new private projects, such as business who want to establish hotels and recreation zones here. The cluster investments are expected to, capitalize on the cultural and natural assets of the town and neighboring settlements place, driving tourist spendings through high value tourism product creation. The objective of this assignment is to assess the current socio-economic context of Yeghegis cluster and propose a prioritized portfolio of investments that will turn the existing unique cultural and natural assets into high value tourism products. These investments should be aimed at enlivening public and private spaces, breathing new life into structures and streetscapes, bolstering local business viability, and enhancing public safety. The envisioned outcome is a more resilient Yeghegis with sustainable and thriving tourism ecosystem. Throughout the work, the consultant is expected to ensure active engagemen