Nucciotti: "ArcheTourDev is much more than a cultural project"
Below is a summary of the speech by Professor Michele Nucciotti, Associate Professor of Medieval Archaeology at the University of Florence and head of the ArcheTourDev project.
Professor Michele Nucciotti during his speech at TourismA 2026
ArcheTourDev is much more than a cultural cooperation project: it is a genuine development cooperation initiative. “Archaeology has once again proven to be one of the disciplines most responsive to the priorities of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), actively contributing to growth strategies in local communities,” explains Professor Nucciotti.
Public archaeology as a driver of value
At the heart of the project in Armenia is public archaeology, which is capable of generating tangible value for contemporary communities: not only protecting and studying cultural heritage, but also creating economic, social and tourism opportunities.
Territory and sustainable development
The ArcheTourDev project directly involves Armenian institutional partners, including the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, together with local authorities. Activities focus on three strategic areas: Kotayk, Ararat and Aragatsotn.
The direct beneficiaries are families living near the archaeological sites. In these small communities, ArcheTourDev aims to foster trust and positive change, promoting local skills and new opportunities linked to sustainable tourism.
Archaeology for development
As Nucciotti emphasises, archaeology can be a concrete tool for development:
- protecting cultural heritage
- developing professional skills
- creating economic and social value
In this sense, ArcheTourDev represents an innovative model in which scientific research, knowledge and sustainable tourism come together to generate a real and lasting impact.
Last update
20.08.2026