Monopolists hamper tourism development in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Director of Avarayr incoming tour operator Arkady Sahakyan said that Armenia has a large base of tourism services in winter period, including for active and passive rest.

However, provision of these services is hampered by many factors, Sahakyan told a press conference.

According to him, the condition of Armenia’s roads leading to places of interest is deplorable during winter.

“Recently, we held negotiations with owners of hotels in Tsaghkadzor resort on decrease of prices. At the same time, Armavia national carrier does not provide any discounts. For example, Siberian Airlines offer clients a 40% discount during winter season, while we are uncompetitive due to high prices for air tickets,” he said.

According to Sahakyan, unfortunately, tourists can arrive in Armenia only by airplane, while national monopolists – Armavia company and Zvartnots Airport – pursue an unclear pricing, exploiting the situation.

“Hotels of Armenia’s resorts will be packed until January 15, but there will be no visitors from January 15 to March, as the internal market cannot afford using such expensive services. Besides, the loading level of hotels around Lake Sevan is decreasing by 30-35% from year to year, due to affordable and high-quality services in Georgia. The same situation is faced in Tsaghkadzor,” said Sahakyan.

Besides, according to the expert, tourism development is hampered by long winter vacations, as tourists, who are in Armenia from December 30 to January 8, cannot visit museums, exhibitions, theaters, etc.