ARMENIA: DESTINATION UNDISCOVERED

Tourism Review
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Feb 23 2009
Czech Republic

Armenia is a developing tourism destination with numerous sights. It
is also home to three UNESCO world heritage sites and as such lures
cultural tourists as well as history lovers.

Armenia is a small country located in South Caucasus. It has a
population of approximately 3 million and also one of the world’s
oldest histories. They were the first country to adopt Christianity
in 301 AD. This post soviet country is mostly remembered in
connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh war between Armenians and
Azerbaijanis. Nevertheless, they also have an expanding tourism
industry.

The country certainly has lots to offer to tourists. Thanks to the
long history of Christianity in this country, there are numerous
religious buildings that lure tourists. For example monasteries
of Haghpat and Sanahin were important centers of learning. These
monasteries are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites as well as the
Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of
Zvartnots. The third UNESCO site is the Monastery of Geghard and the
Upper Azat Valley.

Besides the UNESCO sites there are numerous other places drawing the
attention of international tourists. For example, the Armenian capital
Yerevan is a vibrant 1.2 million city with museums and galleries. There
are also the popular water resorts of Lake Sevan. It is one of the
largest high-altitude lakes in the world and it occupies approximately
five per cent of Armenia"s surface area.

ther interesting attractions are the hot springs of Arzni
and Jermuk. There is also a popular ski resort in the city of
Tsaghkadzor. Another popular destination is Dilijan known by locals
as "Armenian Switzerland" because of the forests surrounding the
city. The country perhaps lacks some tourism infrastructure but it
certainly provides a visitor with a unique experience.

The majority of tourists coming to the country (62 per cent) are
Armenians living abroad. The rest of visitors comes from Russia,
Georgia, EU countries, the USA and Iran. Some 510,300 tourists visited
the country in 2007.