On March 25, a training session on "Food Safety in Hospitality Sector" was held in Yerevan as part of "Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia" (LILA) project. The session was attended by representatives of beneficiary businesses providing food services in the hospitality sector.
The training was led by food safety expert Sona Tsarukyan, who introduced the fundamental principles of food safety in public catering, mandatory requirements, effective steps for reducing food waste, and mechanisms for implementing a food safety management system. Participants discussed key food safety principles in regional guesthouses, tasting rooms, outdoor picnics, and hiking events, as well as the factors influencing these practices and potential risks.
One of the participants was Zara Margaryan, Co-founder and Manager of "Berkri" guesthouse in Yenoqavan Village, Tavush Region. She emphasized the importance of the training for the development of her business.
"The training was very helpful in guiding us on proper food storage and processing, as well as on inspection procedures related to our employees. While preserving tradition, we aim to introduce our guests to Tavush region’s traditional dishes and immerse them in this experience.
We mainly organize masterclasses on baking nazook and gata, as well as preparing Armenian tolma. Guests eagerly participate in these activities, getting acquainted with our culinary traditions. Our menu includes local dishes, allowing visitors to taste specialties unique to this region," she said.
In the second part of the training, Mkhitar Avetisyan, Co-founder and President of "Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities" (ISSD) NGO, presented the requirements and procedures for obtaining the Green Key certification, which promotes sustainable tourism development and enhances the international recognition of hotels and guesthouses.
"Living Landscapes for Market Development in Armenia" (LILA) project is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and is implemented by WWF Caucasus and Armenia offices in collaboration with Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO.
Photo Credit: Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO
April 03, 2025 at 10:53