Armenia has considerable resources for development of alternative
tourism

YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia has considerable resources for
the development of alternative tourism, and it is envisaged developing
spa, winter, scientific tourism and adventure travel in the next few
years, Head of the Tourism and Territorial Economic Development
Department of Ministry of Economy Mekhak Apresian said at the June 12
press conference.

In his words, the program of development of the city of Jermuk, which
is related to promotion of winter and spa tourism, has been submitted
to the government for discussion. Such programs are being prepared for
other cities as well.

He said that steps are being taken to form networks of hotels in marzes
(provinces), for which purpose money has been allocated from the Small
and Medium Entrepreneurship Development Fund. There are more than 40
hotels in Armenian marzes, 4 of which (in the city of Dilijan) received
a qualification category.

According to M. Apresian, with tha aim of developing tourism in rural
communities, seminars are organized for local residents, during which
they are informed how to turn part of their houses into hotels, what
business to do, etc.

Noting that Armenia has potential for scientific tourism, M. Apresian
said that it is necessary to restore this kind of tourism, while
Byurakan Observatory should be made its center.