YEREVAN HOSTS ANNUAL ARMENIAN TOURISM COMPETITIVENESS CONFERENCE

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 13, 2010 – 17:27 AMT 12:27 GMT

The USAID-funded Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS) Project,
in cooperation with RA Ministry of Economy, National Competitiveness
Foundation of Armenia (NCFA) and local industry associations is
hosting the 4th Annual Armenian Tourism Competitiveness Conference.

The 10-day conference will focus on the promotion of Armenia’s image
as a tourism destination, adoption of best practices from countries
with rich tourism experience and establishment of business networks.

It will also summarize the outcomes of activities implemented over
the last 5 years and identify further steps.

According to the head of Tourism and Economic Development Department
at the RA Economy Ministry, Mr. Mekhak Apresyan, 5% tourism growth
is envisaged in Armenia this year. In 2010 first quarter, 93 thousand
tourists visited Armenia, exceeding lat year’s data by 9,4%.

As he noted, Armenian tourism industry managed to keep afloat in
crisis due to active governmental policy. To promote local tourism, the
government took best efforts to raise awareness about Armenia though
international TV companies, introductory visits and other events.

Mr. Apresyan pointed out Garni, Geghard, Zvardnots, Khor Virap to be
the most frequented sights in Armenia.