Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan, has said the government of Armenian plans to create 10 tourism spots with loan funds taken from the World Bank, as per Armenpress
Speaking at a parliamentary committee hearing on the 2025 state budget, Papoyan said the tourism strategy is yet to be confirmed but active discussions are underway.
“We are within the framework of a big five-year loan agreement with the World Bank. Within its framework it is planned to take 100 million dollars of loan funds and distribute it on 10 tourism clusters in provinces of Armenia, in Goris, Yeghegis, Areni, Jermuk, Aparan, Gyumri, Sevan and elsewhere,” Papoyan said.
As an example of development, Papoyan mentioned the renovations outside the Marmashen Monastic Complex.
He said two years ago it was impossible to drive to the complex due to the poor conditions of the roads, whereas now the road is paved, and the nearby areas have been renovated for small business activities. “This has become a beautiful place for family visits. We are trying to spice up our historical-cultural heritage with nature.”
Meanwhile, Lusine Gevorgyan has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Tourism Committee of Armenia. The corresponding decision was signed by Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan on October 31.
Previously, the Tourism Committee was headed by Sisian Poghosian, who was relieved of her position by the Prime Minister’s decision on May 13 of this year. -0-
Background: Tourism in Armenia has been a key sector to the Armenian economy since the 1990s when tourist numbers exceeded half a million people visiting the country every year (mostly ethnic Armenians from the Diaspora).
The Armenian Ministry of Economy reports that most international tourists come from Russia, EU states, the United States and Iran. Though relatively small in size, Armenia has four UNESCO world heritage sites.
2019 saw a record high of over 1.9 million inbound tourists. Most tourists focus their trip in Yerevan, the capital, where the majority of travel agencies, attractions and hotels are located.
Tsaghkadzor, Jermuk, Dilijan are known as mountainous resorts, which are outside of the capital. Mountaineering, camping, hiking and other kinds of outdoor activities are also common.
