Cultural Heritage & Tourism Strategist  (2013)

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I researched and wrote a comprehensive Site Preservation and Visitor Management Plan for USAID's Enterprise Development & Market Competitiveness (EDMC) program.

Developing Areni-1 Cave in southeastern Armenia for tourism was imperative to enhancing Armenia’s attractiveness as a tourism destination. The recent discovery of the world’s oldest known wine-making facility, as well as the world’s oldest leather shoe,  inside Areni-1 Cave (circa 3500BCE) made this an extraordinary site for further research.

I developed a collective vision through consultations with key stakeholders including: archaeologists, researchers, historians, community members, tour operators, government ministry staff, site managers, major donors, local community members, and private-sector stakeholders including local wineries.

I produced a budget for preservation and development including fencing, walkways, security, monitoring, interpretation, visitor access, marketing, and other provisions. I also provided ideas for marketing, promotions, generating awareness, funding, and branding the site and region.

World's oldest known wine-making facility, lying in-situ in the rear of Areni-1 cave (circa 3500 BCE).