Armenian government sets tourism as priority direction

PanARMENIAN.Net - According to the expert, there is a gap between the Armenian experience and methods in the tourism sphere and world experience. “The legislation will eliminate the gap, increasing the level of activity’s efficiency and making Armenia an example for other countries,” noted John Downes.

He added that the legislative amendments aim not only to increase the level of tourist activity in the country but also to introduce new technologies.

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On August 5, the RA government made a decision on redistribution of 2010 budgetary funds, appropriating AMD 32.3mln to Syunik regional administration for the development of Halidzor and Shinuayr communities. The works are envisaged as part of the ropeway construction and its opening in Tatev, the RA government’s press service reported.

Besides, the government decided to allocate AMD 65.5mln to the RA Ministry of Economy for preparation of an advertising advertisement video on Euronews channel about the opening ceremony of the ropeway and Tatev monastery complex.

Meanwhile, AMD 27.7mln will be provided to the Armenian office of National Geographic Traveler for organization of a scientific forum -Travel without Frontiers.

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Head of construction works of the ropeway and infrastructures Artashes Ghazakhetsyan said that the construction works of the ropeway leading to Tatev monastery are at the final stage.

Swiss experts have already installed the equipment. Now they implement wiring works, Ghazakhetsyan told journalists.

“The works will be completed until September, after which we will launch the test stage, so that the ropeway is put into commission until October 16. A special commission will be invited from Europe to test the ropeway's safety. It will provide its conclusion on the ropeway's compliance with international standards,” said Ghazakhetsyan.

A PanArmenian.Net correspondent reported from Tatev that the ropeway is 5.7km-long, with highest point at 330m. Its cable cars will be able to cover the distance to Tatev monastery complex during 11 minutes and 25 seconds. It will be the longest bidirectional ropeway in the world.

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At August 5 governmental meeting, headed by RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, a resolution was passed to extend customs regime-related privilege term for Akhtamar CJSC, a company in charge of Sevan peninsula ropeway construction.

Opening of a ropeway will enable creation of approximately 100 new workplaces, governmental press service reported.

* At his visit to Vayots Dzor province, RA Vice Prime Minister, Territorial Administration Minister Armen Gevorgyan was briefed on agro-touristic complex construction details.

The program for specialized agro-touristic complex construction will be aimed at development of tourism in Vayk

Once given a governmental approval, a tender will be announced to select a company in charge or construction works.

Issues on city stadium and city palace of culture restoration, water supply improvement were also discussed at ministerial visit.

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According to RA National Statistic Service, 230154 tourists visited Armenia in the first half-year of 2010 against 206994 visits in the same period of 2009.

232058 Armenian tourists traveled abroad in January-June 2010, with 14,6% increase in tourists’ number compared to 2009 results.