Tourism in Artsakh Republic has seen a considerable growth in the recent period, an official has said, pointing out also to circumstances which he considered unfavorable.
Artsakh official positive on winter tourism potentials
STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 26, ARTSAKHPRESS: “Over the past year, we have recorded a decrease in the number of visiting tourists; that’s about 20% in comparison with last year,” Sergey Shahverdyan, the head of the NKR Government’s Tourism and Historical Environment Protection Department, told Tert.am, citing the past months’ cross-border tensions as a non-contributory factor.
Meantime he noted they observe an essential increase in the number of Armenian citizens visiting Karabakh. “It’s really gives much hope, as the Republic of Armenia is one of our target markets,” Shahverdyan said.
Addressing the tourism statistics in the winter season, the official said he thinks that it is still too early to make any evaluation. “But we have observed very positive dynamics, as many of our compatriots from Armenia prefer to spend the New Year in Karabakh. The hotel records reveal that we have quite a big flow ahead of the New Year holidays, which is very encouraging,” Shahverdyan said.
He added that the country has very developed tourism infrastructures, especially hotel promises. “It is still early to speak about winter tourism proper in Karabakh as we do not have relevant infrastructures like those those in Jermuk [Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region] or Tasghkadzor [Kotayk]. The winter season is considered a very low season here,” the official explained.
Shahverdyan stressed the need of creating corresponding infrastructures in Karabakh whose climate he said has the most favorable conditions for developing tourism in this season. “It has to do with considerably big investments, of which we are thinking ver now. We are negotiating with potential investors, trying to involve them in the development of winter tourism,” he added.
Speaking to Tert.am, Director of Rumea Tempting Trips Club Ruben Grigoryan said they recommend their customers to visit also Nagorno-Karabakh for spending their winter rest. “There are good programs here and interesting packages, field trips, stay in a hotel and festive events, and all are at very affordable prices,” he said, noting that the packages for Karabakh are 30%-40% cheaper compared to those in Armenia.
“[Tourists] more frequently visit Artsakh in other seasons,” he said, adding it is normally possible to find vacant hotel rooms in Karabakh at this time of year.
Sona Yeghiazaryan, Director of the Transport and Travel Company Joel, said tours for Karabakh are not now in demand in their agency despite the packages’ 10% cheaper prices.
“Artsakh is of more interest in the summer season,” she said, noting that visitors more prefer to travel to seaside resorts in winter.
