YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The resort town of Tsakhkadzor – with all its modern hotels and infrastructures – is ready to host winter tourism lovers.

Mayor of Tsakhkadzor Arthur Harutyunyan told ARMENPRESS 40 hotels are operating in the city, 5 of which are luxury hotels, in line with international standards. At the same time the culture of guest houses is also forming in the city. There are already 5 guest houses, and more are yet to come. Harutyunyan says currently the hotel business of the city offers 5200 beds.

“Ski sports is mainly developed in Tsakhkadzor, we have ski trails in line with all international regulations. Athletes from Russia train here, we have a ropeway and many cultural locations”, he said.

In addition to athletes, many tourists who are fond of winter tourism visit the town. According to the Mayor, the majority of the tourists come from Russia and Europe, although visitors from Scandinavian countries are also arriving. Representatives of the diplomatic corps also visit Tsakhkadzor.

The Mayor says they are planning different programs to ensure tourism activity.

“Last year a Ski tournament was held in Tsakhkadzor. This year a similar project will be held. This contributes to the expansion of the geography of visits. We are working with tour operators and travel agencies. We also take part in tourism expos, presenting Tsakhkadzor as a ski city, with the appeal of its mountains”, the Mayor said. The Mayor also hopes that the number of tourists will grow due to the decrease of air ticket prices.

In addition to Tsakhkadzor, winter tourism is developing in Jermuk city. The city has a 1km long ropeway, with two ski trails – 1200m and 1400m. Large wellness centers and spas operate in Jermuk, high standard hotels and guest homes.

Jermuk deputy Mayor Samvel Margaryan told ARMENPRESS several conditions were created in the city for the development of ski sports, tourists arrive, however the desired activeness is not yet present.

“The ski trails are mainly used by guests of the wellness centers. Our visitors are mainly from Armenia. In the recent years, tourists from Russia also arrive, there are visits from other countries as well, however not much”, he said.

Samvel Margaryan says currently a Swiss project is underway, under which it is planned to build a sport city, with new ski trails. A new ropeway will be constructed. Currently, they are waiting for investors.

The Province of Shirak has traditionally been the province of ski sports during Soviet years, according to “Shirak Tour” director Alexan Ter-Minasyan.

“Today we are trying to restore that tradition in small scales. Shirak has good weather conditions for the development of winter tourism. Our Austrian friends helped us and gave 50 pairs of ski equipment. Here we have such conditions that even amateurs can ski walk, we call the service just like that – ski walk. We have several ski trails both in Ashotsk, nearby and in the vicinity of Gyumri”, he said.

Alexan Ter-Minasyan says Gyumri’s hotel infrastructure is also developed, with several guest houses also operating.