  5% tourism growth expected in Armenia in 2010Despite 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, 2010PanARMENIAN.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  Most popular in the section Armenia’s “useless” manpower Small and medium sized businesses weigh in on consequences of war Hybrid banknotes New markets opening for home-grown products    At focus More articles in this section4 rules for business success  An ultimate guideReduction of personnel and tax collection growth State Revenue Committee changes its policyCountries and goods that boosted Armenian export in 2016 Record figures |  Other articles Latest news Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture.EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process.Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh.Mkhitaryan raises arrest of former Karabakh leaders in Azerbaijan Inter Milan star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shared a news story about the extension of the arrest of former Karabakh leaders. |
