YEREVAN, APRIL 28, ARMENPRESS: Opening an international CST-2005 tourism exhibition in Yerevan today deputy trade and economic development minister Ara Petrosian said Armenian tourism industry development is due to private companies’ efforts, but added that the government is also doing everything possible to help boost this sector.
Petrosian said tourism development program envisage making Armenia an attractive tourism destination not only for summer travelers, but also for those who choose to vacation in winter.
Petrosian said the annual growth rate of tourism industry is between 20-25 percent. According to official figures, some 260,000 tourists visited Armenia last year. This year some 300,000 tourists are expected to visit Armenia. Annual government subsides for tourism development are about $45,000, while one tourist spends in Armenia an average of $800-$1000.
Lebanese ambassador to Armenia Jibrail Butros Jaara said Armenia attracts foreign tourists as a safe country with a peculiar culture and historic monuments.
Thirty-three companies from Armenia, Iran, Italy, US and Belarus are participating in it. Last December the government of Armenia approved a tourism development program for 2005.
The majority of tourists visiting Armenia are Diaspora Armenians. The share of tourism in the overall GDP makes 5-6 percent.
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