National Fund Of Competitiveness: New Strategy Of Tourism Developmen

NATIONAL FUND OF COMPETITIVENESS: NEW STRATEGY OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ARMENIA WILL ALLOW TO INCREASE ANNUAL FLOW OF TOURISTS BY 20%

ARKA
Feb 16, 2010

YEREVAN, February 16. /ARKA/. National Fund of Competitiveness of
Armenia and Armenian Tourism Development Agency developed strategy of
tourism development in Armenia which will allow to increase annual
flow of tourists by 20%, said Bekor Papazyan, Executive Director of
the Fund.

"New strategy envisages expansion of marketing policy in such countries
as Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy directed at the attraction
of tourists interested in ecotourism", said Papazyan.

Main directions of marketing policy will be direct work with tourism
operators of the mentioned countries, as well as work with consumers
through PR companies.

"Currently the flow of tourists in above-mentioned countries is eight
thousand per year. Till 2011 we plan to increase their number by 20%",
he said.

For the implementation of the strategy, investment in the amount of
about 100 thousand EURO will be needed in each mentioned country.

"The aim is not only increase of number of tourists but duration of
their stay in Armenia and their expenses", said Papazyan.

Together with the increase of the flow of tourists, quality of tourism
services will also improve which currently lacks in Armenia.

In 2009 number of tourists in Armenia increased by 3% compared with
2008 making 575281 tourists. In 2009 number of tourists traveling
abroad was 2.1% making 526193 tourists.

Number of visits to Armenia by the results of 2010 was 5% compared
with 2009.