Maria Atayan: Armenia may declare itself a country accessible for tourism

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian National Tourism Office (Armenian NTO) in Russia and CIS Countries is a new NGO opened in Moscow this November. In conjunction with Fresh Advice communication agency, it launches Armenian tourism development campaign in Russia.



The organization has a many optimistic plans, and the zero-based budget is no obstacle to the realization of its leading ideas, NTO Armenia Director Maria Atayan told a news conference in Yerevan. According to her, Armenia has many competitors among CIS countries (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan etc.) but the right PR campaign may enable the country to provide the clue to the country's success in the sphere. As competitive advantages, Atayan pointed out to Armenia's climate conditions and rich ancient culture. "We will declare ourselves as a country with a middle-class oriented tourism," she said.



In the initial period of its activity, NTO Armenia will offer the tariffs available at present. After attaining certain results, it will start negotiations with Government for reducing prices, particularly taxes on tickets.



"NTO Armenia is launched now that tourists have got tired of Europe and feel like communicating with people they share common history with," the organization's director said.



At that, she noted that the first stage of NTO Armenia's PR campaign (December 15-18) envisages Russian media representatives' press-tour to Armenia. The tour program includes visit to Tsakhadzor, Echmiadzin, Yenukavan and other tourism zones situated not far from Yerevan, as well as a horse race to the mountains.