YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. As a result of the current situation in Armenia resulting from the latest aggression of Azerbaijan, Armenian travel agencies engaged in domestic tourism have changed their directions.

Speaking to ARMENPRESS, One Way travel agency’s internal tourism manager Luiza Gasparyan said that as alternatives the agencies offer tours to Garni-Geghard, Sevan. “We had many concert-tours, as well as performance-tours, festivals which were cancelled due to the current situation. For instance, the wine, the gata festivals in Areni, the concert of Aram MP3 were cancelled”, she said.

ArmLand travel agency’s tour manager, mountain guide Gohar Sargsyan stated that these situations cause a lot of difficulties to tourism sector, but as she says, they already have an experience how to change the routes, and they have changed their tours which were scheduled to Syunik, Vayots Dzor provinces, particularly Jermuk resort town and Tatev monastery. She says that Syunik and Vayots Dzor provinces have always been one of the most active travel destinations.

“Syunik and Vayots Dzor are famous for their lovely mountains not only for tourists, but also for hikers, therefore, it’s quite difficult for us now, but at this moment we are trying to change the directions. We mainly moved to Tavush, Shirak, Aragatsotn and Armavir provinces”, she added.

Founding director of the ArmLand tourism club Artyom Martirosyan said that tourism sector has started to recover again in Armenia after the 2020 day and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year the number of visitors has doubled. If this pace continues and no incidents happen, 2023 will be an active tourism season, even hotels maybe fully booked. It’s an active tourism season from April to November. Armenia has a big potential, especially for hiking”, he added.

The representatives of the tourism sector say that tourism is affordable in Armenia, with good nature and service. They state that if no incidents are registered, Armenia could be included in the list of the best countries for hiking.