14:00, 3 January 2009

In 2008, Armenia was visited by 600,000 tourists

Last year Armenia received about 600,000 tourists. It is by 20 percent more than in 2006, as reported by Mekhak Apresyan, head of the Department for Tourism of the Ministry of Economy of Armenia.

According to the Department, in recent years the annual surplus of tourist visits made 20-25 percent. Armenia is mainly visited by tourists from Russia, Georgia, EU countries, Iran and USA. 62 percent of the tourists visiting Armenia are Armenians living abroad.

Mr Apresyan has reported that on the average a tourist spends some 700-800 dollars during his or her visit to Armenia. The total revenues from tourism during 9 months of last year made about 400 million dollars. In 2006 it was 299 million, and in 2007 - 400 million.

In Armenia, the historical and cultural types of tourism are mostly spread, on the basis thereof eco- and adventure tourism is developing. Works are underway towards development of winter tourism.