Exploring Mountain Tourism: European University of Armenia Students Visit South Tyrol

The students of the "Tourism and Hotel Business" specialization at the European University of Armenia (EUA) recently embarked on a study visit to Eurac Research in South Tyrol, Bolzano. The visit, which took place from 26th June to the 1st of July, focused on exploring the topic of sustainable mountain tourism. Accompanied by professors Tatevik Sargsyan and Tatevik Safaryan, as well as university assistant Anush Galstyan, the students had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities and visits, deepening their understanding of tourism practices in South Tyrol. During their stay, the team at Eurac Research including Greta Erschbamer, Harald Pechlaner, Elisa Piras, Valentin Wallnöfer, Chiara Paris, Francesca Cornella, Alexander Pöder, Ismaila Ouedraogo, Valeria von Miller (Center for Advanced Studies), Philipp Corradini (Institute for Regional Development), and project coordinator Günther Cologna took turns in guiding the group.

The program included a welcome and introduction to Eurac Research with an overview of the organization's research endeavors and a visit to the Messner Mountain Museum, MMM Firmian, in Sigmundskron Castle. The students went for a hike to Baita Sanon at Seiser Alm – Alpe di Siusi immersing themselves in the natural landscape of the Dolomites before stopping at the agritourism farm "Trieferhof" where they learned about farm holidays in cooperation with the Farmers' Association of South Tyrol. In Vinschgau - Val Venosta, the guests from Armenia explored the medieval history of the province during the guided tour of Churburg Castle, the town of Glurns – Glorenza, and the Marienberg – Monte Maria monastery. They also visited the Botanical Gardens of Trauttmansdorff and the Touriseum as well as the city of Meran – Merano, where Empress Sissi spent a few months of her life. Other stops were the sustainability award-winning Hotel “Pfösl” in Deutschnofen – Nova Ponente and the Carezza Lake. Of course, the group also visited South Tyrol's most famous personality, Ötzi, the Iceman.

Thank you to everyone who so kindly welcomed the group and shared their knowledge and experience!