In news from Armenia’s tourism sector, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan met with hotel operators’ representatives to discuss the possibilities for developing hotel industry in Armenia. The meeting focused on the Center for Strategic Initiatives-drafted “Country Promotion Instrument,” which contains proposals for tourism promotion, expansion of air communications, and attraction of investments based on public-private partnership. The draft has been developed taking into consideration the international experience.
Prime Minister Karapetyan noted that inbound visits grew by 24%, and tourism – by 18.7% in 2017, and added this:
“We want to consult with you and, proceeding from our expectations, think of how to bolster your business and maximize your creativity. Compared with the same period last year, we have a 9.8% growth in visits, with a 20% increase recorded in February alone. Last year we undertook specific efforts to raise worldwide awareness of Armenia. We have a clear-cut development program for 2018.”
The hotel industry representatives presented their comments and observations on the proposed draft and came up with specific recommendations on tourism promotion. Summing up the meeting, the Premier suggested holding a more detailed follow-up discussion with the Center for Strategic Initiatives in order to submit the finalized package of proposals to the Government Staff.
Also in the Armenian press, the country’s efforts this year will extend from ITB Berlin to Dubai and other valued markets. No less than 17 Armenian tourism entities will be in Berlin for the 2018 travel spectacular. The number of tourist arrivals for January of 2018 alone grew 9.8% versus the same period last year, Armenian prime minister Karapetyan said at a meeting with the country’s hotel industry representatives. Tourism numbers for all of 2017 were up by over 18% year on year.