0.1% GROWTH RECORDED IN TOURISM SECTOR OF ARMENIA IN FIRST HALF OF 2009
Noyan Tapan
July 24, 2009
YEREVAN, JULY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. 0.1% growth was recorded in Armenia’s
tourism sector in the first half of 2009 on the same period of
2008. Head of the Tourism and Territorial Development Department of
the RA Ministry of Economy Mekhak Apresian said at the July 24 press
conference that in the indicated period 207,729 tourists from various
countries visited Armenia compared to 207,479 tourists in the same
months of 2008.
According to him, tourists from EU countries, the U.S, Iran, Russia
and Georgia mainly visit Armenia. The number of countries, from which
people travel to Armenia is increasing year by year: tourists from
Scandinavian countries, Thailand, Taiwan, China and Japan have come
to Armenia in recent years. Last year the first group from Turkey
arrived in Armenia and was quite impressed by our country. Another
group is expected to come this year.
By data of the World Tourism Organization, under conditions of the
global financial and economic crisis, there was a 3% decline in the
tourism sector.
The growth in Armenia’s tourism was conditioned by a number of
factors, including the structure of travels to Armenia and the age
groups. Besides, in the words of M. Apresian, the Diaspora ensures
60% of tourist visits to Armenia so there was no sharp decline in
the number of Diasporan tourists due to the crisis. M. Apresian also
explained the fact that the number of tourists has remained at the same
level by cooperation between the state and private sector in tourism.