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INCREASED TOURIST INTEREST FOR ARMENIA
Mihaela Lica Butler
http://www.argophilia.com/news/armenia-tourism/25136/
Mar 02, 2012
Although the number of tourists from Turkey who visited Armenia
in 2011 decreased compared to 2010, the interest for this country
is rising in other countries, and in 2012 the country expects over
800,000 visitors, according to a press statement by Deputy Economy
Minister Ara Petrosyan last month.
To meet the demands, and to increase awareness, the country will
develop MICE tourism and plans to close more tourism agreements this
year. An agreement between Armenia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
has already been signed this February, after Israeli Eshet Tours
company signed a deal with Armavia, Armenia's national air carrier,
to represent the company in Israel. According to the news, Eshet Tours
will also sell tourist packages, including tours to Armenia, to promote
the country as a tourist destination to Israeli travelers and not only.
There are also ambitious projects to attract more tourists, including
building an exact replica of Noah's Ark, with the exact biblical
dimensions, in Yerevan. Till the ark is built, Yerevan calls tourists
with other interesting activities, particularly this year when the
city is the 2012 World Book Capital.
Last year, Armenia got a superb accolade from The National Geographic
Traveler as one of the three leading countries in for adventure tourism
- a mention that could boost the flux of tourists in the country.
There should be a greater foreign interest for this destination,
especially considering that Armenia is a rather affordable destination,
compared to its neighbors. In many resorts the cost of accommodation
can be as low as US$ 13.00 per day - cheap for foreign visitors,
but not always cheap for locals, but the service is not international
standard. For class accommodation and service, prices are not that high
either. In Jermuk the average health spa price per day is US$ 50.00
and includes room, 3 meals a day, diagnosis and treatment. Similar
prices are available for accommodation in Nagorno Karabagh, and many
other resorts.
Sacred Khor Virap Monastery with Mount Ararat in the background
As far as tourist attractions are concerned, Armenia may not be
as exotic as other destinations, but it offers enough to satisfy
the most particular travelers. The country's rich history, culture
and traditions are reflected in architecture, monuments, arts and
year-round festivals. There's stunning nature all around - of note,
Dilijan is known as the "Armenian Switzerland." And who can forget the
Khor Virap Monastery which offers superb views of the legendary Mount
Ararat, Armenia's nationalist symbol, a major tourist drag in Turkey.
Mihaela Lica Butler
http://www.argophilia.com/news/armenia-tourism/25136/
Mar 02, 2012
Although the number of tourists from Turkey who visited Armenia
in 2011 decreased compared to 2010, the interest for this country
is rising in other countries, and in 2012 the country expects over
800,000 visitors, according to a press statement by Deputy Economy
Minister Ara Petrosyan last month.
To meet the demands, and to increase awareness, the country will
develop MICE tourism and plans to close more tourism agreements this
year. An agreement between Armenia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
has already been signed this February, after Israeli Eshet Tours
company signed a deal with Armavia, Armenia's national air carrier,
to represent the company in Israel. According to the news, Eshet Tours
will also sell tourist packages, including tours to Armenia, to promote
the country as a tourist destination to Israeli travelers and not only.
There are also ambitious projects to attract more tourists, including
building an exact replica of Noah's Ark, with the exact biblical
dimensions, in Yerevan. Till the ark is built, Yerevan calls tourists
with other interesting activities, particularly this year when the
city is the 2012 World Book Capital.
Last year, Armenia got a superb accolade from The National Geographic
Traveler as one of the three leading countries in for adventure tourism
- a mention that could boost the flux of tourists in the country.
There should be a greater foreign interest for this destination,
especially considering that Armenia is a rather affordable destination,
compared to its neighbors. In many resorts the cost of accommodation
can be as low as US$ 13.00 per day - cheap for foreign visitors,
but not always cheap for locals, but the service is not international
standard. For class accommodation and service, prices are not that high
either. In Jermuk the average health spa price per day is US$ 50.00
and includes room, 3 meals a day, diagnosis and treatment. Similar
prices are available for accommodation in Nagorno Karabagh, and many
other resorts.
Sacred Khor Virap Monastery with Mount Ararat in the background
As far as tourist attractions are concerned, Armenia may not be
as exotic as other destinations, but it offers enough to satisfy
the most particular travelers. The country's rich history, culture
and traditions are reflected in architecture, monuments, arts and
year-round festivals. There's stunning nature all around - of note,
Dilijan is known as the "Armenian Switzerland." And who can forget the
Khor Virap Monastery which offers superb views of the legendary Mount
Ararat, Armenia's nationalist symbol, a major tourist drag in Turkey.