This year, the hopes of our tourism policy officials pinned on Iranian tourists have not come true. According to their prediction, at least 30 thousand tourists from Iran should have sought rest in Armenia, but the statistics shows that their number, as compared to the first quarter of last year, has decreased by 10 thousand. Instead, Iranians pass through Armenia and go to Georgia, preferring to rest in Georgia, which provides cheaper and more modern services. www.aravot.am inquired of Mekhak Apresyan, the head of the tourism and economic development department, the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, whether we were not hospitable or travel package and services were expensive and didn’t attract Iranians anymore, the head of the department explained the decrease by the economic and political situation in Iran, “Concerning the sanctions imposed against Iran, there have been exchange rate fluctuations. Generally foreign tourism from Iran has decreased substantially.” As for preferring Georgia, watch Mr. Apresyan’s reply in the video.
Lusine BUDAGHYAN
