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A regional tourism initiative in the South Caucasus is backed by a substantial commitment from the United States. A planned investment of 7.3 million dollars will support the implementation of the regional program aimed at boosting tourism across Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. This investment is intended to foster closer cooperation among the three neighboring countries, aligning economic goals in the tourism sector with broader regional interests. Officials indicate that the project will serve as a catalyst for stronger collaboration, helping to knit together the economies of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia through shared market drivers and joint development strategies.

The objective of the Caucasus Regional Tourism Program, as outlined by USAID, is to create durable regional partnerships grounded in common economic incentives. By weaving together these countries’ tourism markets, the program aims to promote harmony and stability in the South Caucasus, while supporting sustainable growth in tourist services, infrastructure, and cross‑border travel initiatives. The initiative is framed as a pathway to a more integrated regional economy where cooperation on tourism can translate into broader benefits for communities, businesses, and travelers alike.

According to USAID experts, tripartite cooperation in tourism had not existed before this effort. Georgia is described as maintaining partial ties with each of its two neighbors, whereas Armenia and Azerbaijan had not previously coordinated their tourism activities. The new program seeks to change that dynamic by creating formal channels for joint marketing, shared tourism product development, and synchronized policy approaches that can improve visitor experiences and competitiveness in the regional market.

Past statements indicate a broader strategic network of support, including assurances that the United States intends to finance activities aligned with promoting peace and security in the region. The tourism program is positioned within this larger framework, highlighting how economic collaboration can complement security-focused endeavors and contribute to a more stable, interconnected South Caucasus. Through coordinated efforts such as joint marketing campaigns, cross-border tourism routes, and shared training for hospitality and service providers, the initiative aspires to build trust and create tangible benefits for citizens in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. |Citations: USAID report on Caucasus regional tourism program, official briefing notes from USAID|