Description
Agrogate is an agritourism online platform in the South Caucasus, uniting over 100 facilities from Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Spearheaded by the Georgian Farmers' Association and partners, it connects travelers with traditional agricultural experiences. Its features include accommodation booking and masterclass reservations.
Technology
Agrogate leverages technology in the agritourism sector, providing a user-friendly online platform for traveler experiences. The platfrom is also available as a mobile app running on Android or iOS. The platform incorporates GPS by ensuring accurate location mapping. The platform enables e-payment with VISA, Master Card and AMEX.
Target
The users of the platfrom are the travelers and agritourism enterprises, with over 100 agritourism SMEs registered on the Agrogate.world portal: 56 from Georgia, 31 from Armenia, and 16 from Azerbaijan (as of Dec 2023). These enterprises offer accommodation and services to travelers seeking agritourism experiences. The platform targets travelers interested in agritourism experiences, allowing them to easily identify and book stays at agritourism sites in the South Caucasus region. Agrogate offers smallholder farmers a platform to embrace the growing trend of agritourism, enabling them to leverage digital tools, access training, and connect with a broader audience to enhance their agricultural and tourism-related activities.
Business model
The revenue is generated through a fee-for-service structure, wherein agritourism enterprises pay for additional services like marketing and promotion. Furthermore, the platform engages in advertising and markup, earning revenue through promotional activities and facilitating bookings. Additionally, donor support, particularly from USAID EDGE, has played a role in initiating and sustaining the project.
Impact
The Agrogate solution, a pioneering agritourism platform in the South Caucasus, has positively impacted over 100 registered facilities in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, according to various news outlets. Through collaboration supported by the USAID EDGE project, it fosters regional cooperation and cross-country partnerships. The platform's launch in 2021 provides travelers with easy access to agritourism sites, promoting economic growth for participating enterprises. Training initiatives in gastronomy, marketing, and safety have enhanced skills for 180 representatives, improving services for visitors. Individual success stories, like Sheki Friends Guest House and Machanents House, highlight increased visibility and revenue. "Agro Stop" promotional videos contribute to rural development and increased tourism. The digital platform's unique features facilitate direct communication between smallholder farmers and customers. By elevating agriculture, education, and local economies, Agrogate aligns with sustainable development goals.
Partners
USAID; Economic Development, Governance, and Enterprise Growth (EDGE)
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
