NUMBER OF TRAVELERS TO ARMENIA GROWS 36.3% IN JAN-JUNE 2007

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
July 31 2007

YEREVAN, July 31. /ARKA/. The number of tourists who traveled to
Armenia over a period between January and June 2007 grew 36.3%,
compared with the same period a year earlier.

National Statistical Service of Armenia told ARKA News Agency that
total number of tourists who visited Armenia at the mentioned period
of 2007 rose 181.2thnd against 133thnd at the same period of 2006.

The number of people who left Armenia at the mentioned period grew
37.8% to 172.3thnd.

Armenian Trade and Economic Development Ministry says 450thnd tourists
are expected to visit Armenia in 2007. This tourist flow will ensure
20-percent growth, compared with previous year.

Official figures show 25-percent average annual growth since 2001.

Armenia is placed 74th among 124 countries in World Economic Forum’s
tourism competitiveness ranking for 2006 and 2007.

Armenia is also placed third among CIS countries lagging behind
Georgia and Russia.