ԽՍՀՄ ժամանակաշրջանի առողջարանների զբոսաշրջային ներուժը Գեղարքունիքում. համառոտ ակնարկ

Abstract

Health resort tourism is an important sector that provides not only recreation but also restorative and medical services. In Armenia, this sector has significant potential, particularly in regions rich in natural resources and favorable climate. Gegharkunik Province, due to its unique geographical location, the presence of Lake Sevan, and mineral springs, plays a key role in the development of health resort tourism. Although the issue of developing health resort tourism is highly relevant, analytical studies, especially comprehensive ones, are currently lacking. The aim of this study is to present an analysis of the condition and functioning of health resorts in Gegharkunik Province, inherited from the Soviet era, many of which are now partially or completely inactive, their integration with the natural environment, and an assessment of the region’s potential in health resort tourism. During the Soviet period, the province had numerous holiday homes and health resorts that provided restorative and recreational services. Following the collapse of the USSR, many of these facilities ceased operation or underwent restructuring. The unfinished health resort buildings on the shores of Lake Sevan, the “Arevik” resort, the abandoned sites in Geghamavan village, and the “Hayravank” health resort represent a significant part of the province’s health resort potential. Assessing the potential and significance of health resort tourism in the province, together with state-developed strategies, will promote the sustainable development of this sector.