TATON Newsletter (Winter 2015-2016)

Tales from the
Black Sea Silk Road
Winter 2015-2016
Page 3
Join us at the New York Times
Travel Show
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Our Region in Winter
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Highlights: Armenia & Turkey
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Announcements
Mt. ARARAT
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Let’s Connect!
N E T W O R K
O P E R A T O R S
T O U R
M
The mountain has been and continues to be the muse for many
artists, poets and writers and enchants every single person who gets
a chance to see it in its full glory.
TATON is supported by the United States
Agency for International Development
(USAID) - funded BRIDGES project. It is
created to enhance cross border economic
development through tourism.
The contents of this publication are the responsibility
of AMAP Human Development NGO and do not
necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United
States Government.
T U R K I S H
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A R M E N I A N
“And in the entire world you will not find a mountaintop like Ararat’s.
Like an unreachable peak of glory I love my Mount Masis.”
Yeghishe Charents
t. Ararat: The glorious biblical mountain where Noah
landed his ark, the sacred site that has sparked the urge
for adventure in so many people. Climbing Mount Ararat,
which is the highest peak in the Armenian plateau and Eastern
Turkey, is on the list of every person who seeks to reach the
unattainable, to discover the unknown.
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T U R K I S H
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A R M E N I A N
T O U R
O P E R A T O R S
N E T W O R K
CONTENTS
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Barev! Merhaba! Hello!
W
e are happy to invite all of our friends and colleagues to attend the New York Times Travel Show January 8-10, 2016, at the Javits Center. As you know, it’s the biggest show of its
kind. Not only that, TATON will be there this year.
What is TATON? The Turkish and Armenian Tour Operators Network is a not-for-profit alliance
forged with the help of USAID to develop tourism in one of the world’s last great unknown places:
Eastern Turkey and Armenia. With 38 travel organizations in Armenia and 35 in Turkey—working
together across what is now a closed border—we aim to unveil our region to travele are excited to present this unique and rich reers, focusing on its cultural glories, diverse
gion at the New York Times Travel Show. In the
people, storied past and scenic glories:
Mount Ararat, 16,854 feet, a twin-peaked
massif where the Bible tells us Noah’s Ark
landed, the region’s most cherished icon…
Lakes Van and Sevan…
Armenian monasteries like Tatev and
Akhtamar…
Vibrant cities like Gyumri, a Russian Era
gem in northern Armenia, and Van, capital
of the ancient Urartian civilization.
W
region with 9 climate zones...Peaks higher than
the Alps...6,500 plant species...sub-tropical to semi-desert climates we have unique experiences that would attract everyone. While being one of the cradles of civilization, we are away
from the beaten path and our cultural, natural and historical
heritage will enchant you with its diversity and opulence.
Nelli Malkhasyan
CEO, Princess Maneh Tours
So join us at our booth (#572) at the New York Times Travel Show to meet our travel experts and get
to know our splendid region. Once you learn about our glorious region, you’ll want to visit and we’ll
give you a warm welcome.
See you at the show!
T U R K I S H
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A R M E N I A N
T O U R
O P E R A T O R S
N E T W O R K
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T U R K I S H
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A R M E N I A N
T O U R
O P E R A T O R S
N E T W O R K
Join us at the New York Times Travel Show
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Armenia
A
rmenia always has something new to offer, yes, even
in winter. If you are a lover of active adventure, if you
return to childhood seeing the snow and if you are
ready for nowhere-else-to-be –found authentic experiences,
then you will have the best winter holidays with us.
There are a few things that you absolutely have to do if you
are in Armenia for winter:
Celebrate Christmas with the oldest Christian nation:
Christmas in Yerevan is a majestic and very unique
experience. If you look for a spiritual place where you can
regain yourself, experience a real family holiday of love and
care, then be in Armenia on January 6 and celebrate with us.
Ski in Tsaghkadzor: Winter sports are very popular in
Armenia and especially in the Ski resort of Tsaghkadzor
where you can spend a whole week in comfortable hotels or
cozy cottages with family and friends.
Eat the best winter soup-khash: Eating khash, warm winter
soup, will turn the simple act of eating into a special cultural
feast. Prepared with love and dedication for several hours,
made from cow hooves and eaten with plenty of garlic
and salt and Armenian traditional lavash bread, khash is an
experience that should not be missed. It is an early morning
dish accompanied with shots of vodka and warm feeling of
bonding, connection and family. Give it a try!
Turkey
N E T W O R K
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T U R K I S H
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A R M E N I A N
T O U R
O P E R A T O R S
N E T W O R K
OUR REGION IN WINTER
T
O P E R A T O R S
urkey is a stunning travel destination even in winter.
Eastern Turkey especially is really cold in winter. This is
because of the presence of mountain ranges close to
the coast and the great height of the interior plateau ranging
from 800m to 2,000m. Despite everything, in the winter
months some parts of Turkey can be especially attractive.
T O U R
There are some advantages to visit Turkey in winter such
as; it is cheaper, it is less crowded, it is easier to have local
experiences and it is definitely wonderful. Exploring Turkey
is fantastic during the winter. You can have a snowy fairytale
like vacation in Turkey.
A R M E N I A N
Winter sports are prevalent and extremely popular in Turkey.
A winter visit to Turkey, gateway to the East, will be a unique
and unforgettable experience for visitors.
T U R K I S H
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There are different options in Turkey for winter sun
seekers, ski lovers, shopping lovers, history lovers… You
can feel the winter’s spirit in Turkey. It is amazing to smell
roasted chestnuts perfume in the air. Winter is also great
to experience a hot Turkish bath, a steaming glass of tea, a
cup of salep, or a shop full of fine carpets. Restaurants offer
delicious winter foods, while concert halls, clubs, galleries,
and museums present a rich buffet of cultural events.
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N E T W O R K
HIGHLIGHTS: ARMENIA & TURKEY
Palandoken
E
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A R M E N I A N
T O U R
O P E R A T O R S
rzurum, located in the eastern Anatolian city of Erzurum,
Mount Palandoken, boasts Turkey’s iciest temperatures.
The best thing in here is Palandoken ski resort on its
outskirts which is guaranteed to have snow. With its light
powder snow and cold weather conditions, Palandoken is the
best skiing destination for skilled skiers with its steep slopes, 12
kilometer-long trails and two-three meter-high snow. The ski
center in Palandoken has the longest and most perpendicular
tracks in Turkey. There are 22 tracks in Palandoken Ski Center,
including eight easy tracks, eight intermediate, two advanced
and four road tracks. Additionally, two of those tracks are
registered as “Olympic tracks.” With its lifts and tracks, the
Palandoken Ski Center is accepted as one of the best ski
resorts in Turkey and it hosts many international winter sport
championships and competitions.
N E T W O R K
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T U R K I S H
If you are a professional skier who is eager to experience a real
skiing adventure, Palandoken is the best choice for you.
Tsaghkadzor
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O P E R A T O R S
f you are in Armenia for winter, Ski Resort of Tsaghkadzor
is a must visit.
Located 1840 meters above the sea level, Tsaghkadzor is
calling winter sport lovers, snowboarders and ski riders
to indulge themselves on the slopes of Mount Teghenis.
If you are a beginner, then you will surely get the help of
experienced coaches and trainers.
A R M E N I A N
T O U R
The climate in winter is rather mild here. The average
temperature in January is -3 ° C.
Tsaghkadzor is ideal for skiers. The skiing season here normally
starts mid December and stretches well into March with the
top slopes often fit for skiing in April. The ropeway with its 5
stations is in line with current international standards by the
level of their technical equipment and services.
T U R K I S H
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However, even if you are not into winter sports, you can
always enjoy the amazing landscape with snow-capped
peaks, breathe the clean and refreshing mountain air and
spend warm and comfortable evenings at restaurants
offering delicious food.
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T U R K I S H
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A R M E N I A N
T O U R
O P E R A T O R S
N E T W O R K
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T U R K I S H
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A R M E N I A N
T O U R
O P E R A T O R S
N E T W O R K
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TATON Web Magazine to be ready soon
G
et a glimpse of our fabulous TATON Web
Magazine that we will proudly present to
you next year. Rich with awesome content
about the magnificent region of Armenia and Eastern
Anatolia, it will make you pack your bags and visit us.
Photos and videos of the region as well as travel stories
written by people who can’t live without travelling
will become a guidebook for you to our region and
will allow you to virtually start travelling before you
set your foot on the soil of unexpected adventures
and magnificent beauty.
TATON to participate in the Washington DC Travel and Adventure Show
T
ATON is planning to take the beauty of this
region to Washington D.C. for the 12th annual
Washington D.C. Travel & Adventure Show. This is
where travel lovers come for travel inspiration, expert
information and fun, cultural interaction and we are
excited to present our authentic travel experiences,
amazing travel deals and welcome you to our home.
If you are a tour operator in Armenia or Turkey and
you want to join the TATON booth on February 20-21
for the D.C. Travel & Adventure show, hurry up and
contact [email protected]. We have limited
places left.
“English for Travel Professionals” with Susan
Spano
O
n December 10, 2015 AMAP office hosted
the first meeting of the “English for Travel
Professionals” class initiated and organized by
our great friend and colleague Susan Spano.
The classes that will begin late January, 2016 will give
the TOs in Armenia a chance to improve their English
and to have better relationship with their English
speaking colleagues abroad. Susan will kindly share
her vast experience and knowledge with the TOs.
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Let’s Connect! We want to stay in contact with you via Social
Media. We hope you do too. We want you to discover the exciting
and interesting experiences in this virtually untapped, beautiful
region. Our hope is that more people will learn about this area, &
visit us here. Join us via your favorite social media platform & let us
know what you think!
O P E R A T O R S
N E T W O R K
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T U R K I S H
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A R M E N I A N
T O U R
O P E R A T O R S
N E T W O R K
Crossing Borders…Creating Solutions
A R M E N I A N
T O U R
AMAP Human Development NGO
101 Pavstos Buzand St.
1st Entrance, Apt. 6
Yerevan 0002 Armenia
(o) +374 (10) 532 455
[email protected] t www.AMAP.am
T U R K I S H
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Ekonomistler Platformu
19 Mayis Mah, Tayyareci Cemal Sok.
Safa Apt. No: 22 Daire: 9
Şişli Istanbul, Turkey
(o) +90 212 234 54 07
[email protected]
www.ekonomistler.org.tr
contact…cooperate…create
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