In Armenia’s border community of Berdavan, an inspiring example of sustainable rural tourism is taking root. The Berdavan Guesthouse, a beneficiary of the “Rural Tourism Development Program”—jointly implemented by the ACBA Federation and the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU)—has not only expanded its hospitality offerings but also established an exotic garden that hosts an impressive variety of 56 types of fruits, berries, and vegetables.

Thanks to the grant received through the program, guesthouse founder Erik Hakhverdyan was able to furnish two new rooms, enhancing the comfort and capacity of the accommodation for visitors exploring the region.

“We practice pesticide-free agriculture and minimize human intervention. The soil is enriched naturally using grasses and nitrogen-fixing plants. Among the unique species in our garden are green and red kiwis and azimina, a fruit brought from North America that tastes like a blend of mango and banana. It will begin yielding in six years,” shared Erik Hakhverdyan. “With the support of NABU and the ACBA Federation, we were able to add two modern rooms next to the garden. Our entire operation follows environmentally friendly principles and reflects a circular economy model. We generate minimal waste and reuse materials whenever possible—both for our guests and our own daily operations.”

The Berdavan Guesthouse welcomes tourists, eco-travelers, and all those visiting the region for business, leisure, or cultural discovery. It stands as a model for rural tourism that blends hospitality, agriculture, and environmental responsibility.The ACBA Federation is the major shareholder of ACBA Bank, holding over 81% of its shares. Through this strategic position, the Federation actively contributes to the development of agriculture, the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas, development of community, the revitalization of local economies, and the improvement of livelihoods for individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activities across Armenia’s rural communities.