TOURINFO-December 15, 2023-On December 8, 2023, the Tourism Committee presented a comprehensive overview of the year’s achievements and unveiled ambitious plans for 2024. The Minister of Economy, Vahan Kerobyan, warmly welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of the draft Law on Tourism, currently under deliberation in the National Assembly of RA.

Sisian Boghossian, the Head of the Tourism Committee, shared key highlights and milestones from 2023, underscoring the transformative impact on Armenia’s tourism landscape:

1. Record-Breaking Tourism: A remarkable 2.2 million tourists chose Armenia as their destination, setting an unprecedented record for the country.
2. Institutional Reforms: Notable efforts were dedicated to institutional reforms, prominently the development of a new Tourism Law in collaboration with USAID. Additionally, a comprehensive 5-year Tourism Development Strategy was formulated, signaling a commitment to sustained growth and innovation.
3. Global Collaboration with the World Bank: The Tourism Committee undertook a series of continuous projects in collaboration with the World Bank, emphasizing sustainable development and fortification of the tourism sector.
4. Strategic Marketing Initiatives: A robust marketing strategy was executed, hosting media representatives and bloggers from influential countries such as France, Italy, Russia, Georgia, Dubai, Iran, and Germany. This resulted in extensive coverage across international publications, elevating Armenia’s global profile.
5. International Exhibitions: Armenia’s global footprint expanded through active participation in five international exhibitions. The Tourism Committee collaborated with diverse tour operators to effectively represent the country, fostering partnerships on a global scale.
6. Global Recognition through Road Shows: To enhance global recognition, strategic road shows were organized in key locations, including Latvia, Lithuania, Dubai, Rome, Milan, Lyon, Paris, Frankfurt, and Munich, establishing Armenia as a prominent player in the international tourism arena.
7. Domestic Tourism Promotion: Recognizing the importance of the domestic market, significant initiatives were undertaken to promote tourism within the country. This dual focus aimed at creating a harmonious balance between international allure and local development.

As 2023 concludes, the Tourism Committee’s achievements reflect a dynamic and forward-looking approach. With the draft Law on Tourism under consideration and a comprehensive 5-year plan in place, Armenia is poised to build on its successes and continue its ascent as a globally recognized and sought-after tourism destination in 2024 and beyond.

TOURINFO-JUANITA MOURADIAN