ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CONSIDERS INDEX OF 500 THOUSAND TOURISTS TO ARMENIA IN 2006 AS LIKELY

Noyan Tapan
Aug 14 2006

VANADZOR, AUGUST 14, NOYAN TAPAN. A rapid development of tourism
is taking place in Armenia thanks to the fact that the business
repsonds correctly to market processes, which is evident from improved
services and a decline in prices in the tourism sector. President
Robert Kocharian expressed this opinion during a press conference
to summarize the results of his working visit to Lori marz on August
11. In response to NT correspondent’s question about measures being
taken in Armenia and Lori marz for development of tourism, Robert
Kocharian noted that the enhanced quality of roads and communication
is conducive to development of tourism. He noted the tourism sector
is being decentralized to marzes. He underlined that the state is
carrying out coordinated activities aimed at development of tourism,
as evidenced by the rates of tourism’s product exceeding GDP. "What
is especially interesting is when will we exceed the annual index of
500 thousand tourists to Armenia," he said, noting that in 2005, 318
thousand people visited Armenia, whereas in 1998, this index made only
38 thousand. To recap, the growth on 2004 made 21.1%. In the first
half of 2006, 122,528 tourists visited Armenia, which is by 11.6%
more compared with the same period of 2005. Most tourists usually
arrive in Armenia in the second half of a year. Robert Kocharian
considered registration of the index of 500 thousand tourists already
this year as likely, because some major events will be held in the
country in September and October. The regional governor of Lori marz
Henrik Kochinian, who also took part in the press conference, said
that considerable work on construction of hotels, rest houses, public
catering facilities is being done in the region, the quality of mobile
phone communication services has been improved as well. Besides, the
restoration of historical and architectural monuments with state budget
resources is gathering full speed in the marz. During his visit to Lori
marz, the President became acquainted with the work on restoration of
Hneavank (7th-13th centuries). He expressed his satisfaction over the
fact that in the last few years, the Armenian government has got the
opportunity to spend budget resources on restoration of historical
and cultural values. Previously, such activities were carried out
with funds of benefactors and international organizations.