5% tourism growth expected in Armenia in 2010
Despite the crisis, Armenian tourism industry managed to keep afloat.

Events aimed to facilitate tourism in the country, provide networking
opportunities and exchange experience in tourism industry kicked off
in Armenia on May 13. During 10 days, guests from neighbor states will
have an opportunity to get familiarized with the Armenian culture and
ethnic flavor of the country of `speaking stones.’

May 15, 2010
PanARMENIAN.Net –

The events initiated by the National Competitiveness Foundation of
Armenia, the USAID-funded Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS)
Project in partnership with the RA Ministry of Economy brought
together representatives of tourism industry, educational
establishments, hotels and restaurants, as well as experts and
journalists from Armenia, Georgia, Turkey and other countries.

The 4th Armenian Tourism Competitiveness Conference, CTS2010
International Annual Tourism Fair, as well as presentation of Italian
Polaris guide on Armenia are organized. Besides, the agenda includes
thematic seminars and courses for local and regional tour operators,
as well as discussions with participation of Armenian parliament
members and representatives of relevant ministries.

The Turkish delegation led by Chairman of Van Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Zahir Kandasoglu includes businessmen and representatives 13
travel agencies.

`Van is actively working towards opening of the Armenian-Turkish
border,’ Mr. Kandasoglu said before signing a memorandum of
cooperation between Yerevan and Van Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

He also invited Armenian entrepreneurs and journalists to Van to
participate in the first service over the past 95 years that will take
place in renovated Holy Cross in Akhtamar island on September 12,
2010.

Armenia has been developing tourism industry during the past years.
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%.

The tourists are mostly middle-aged people, who prefer to visit Garni,
Geghard and Khor Virap. Despite the crisis, Armenian tourism industry
managed to keep afloat due to correct 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.

However, there are still problems to be addressed: transport
infrastructure, preservation of historical monuments, service quality
and others. To make the field highly competitive, a task-oriented
governmental policy and huge investments are needed.

Victoria Araratyan / PanARMENIAN News