TOURINFO-January 8, 2024-In 2023, Armenia experienced a remarkable surge in its tourism sector, attracting a record-breaking 2,300,000 visitors, as reported by Sisian Boghossian, the Head of the Tourism Committee under the Ministry of Economy. This figure marked an impressive thirty percent increase compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019 and an even more staggering thirty-nine percent growth when compared to the preceding year, 2022.

The driving force behind this surge is primarily attributed to the influx of Russian tourists, constituting a significant portion of the overall visitor count. Sisian Boghossian highlighted that a staggering 50% of the 2.3 million tourists hailed from Russia. Following closely were visitors from neighboring countries, with Georgia and Iran securing the second and third positions in terms of tourist arrivals, highlighting the diverse appeal of Armenia in the region.

Interestingly, Diaspora Armenians from the United States identified as another substantial demographic contributing to the tourism boom. Their connection to the homeland, coupled with a growing interest in exploring their roots, made them a noteworthy segment of the visitor demographic.

Moreover, the tourism landscape witnessed a fascinating shift with an emerging trend of Indian tourists, often arriving via Dubai. This diversification in the visitor profile highlights Armenia’s growing global appeal and its ability to attract tourists from non-traditional source markets. The inclusion of Germany and France as vital target markets, along with the acknowledgment of China within the top ten contributing countries, underscores the country’s efforts to establish a global presence in the tourism industry.

Boghossian expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the importance of sustaining and expanding on this positive momentum. With a strategic focus on key markets and continued efforts to enhance the overall tourist experience, Armenia aims to solidify its position as an attractive and diverse destination, welcoming visitors from around the world.

TOURINFO-JUANITA MOURADIAN