Although the holidays are not affordable for many in Armenia, especially during the winter months, demand exceeds supply announce travel agencies.

“The customers book tickets much earlier now because from November there was not a vacant room in any hotel in Tsakhkadzor,” said the founder of the Tourist Association Marina Kpryan reporters.

A journey of 4-5 days outside of Yerevan a family of four must spend 300,000 to 800,000 drams (approximately 660 to $ 1700), all inclusive, depending Hakob Hakobyan President of the Association of Hotels and Executive Director Tufenkyan the society.

According to official statistics, last year in Armenia around 670 000 people have preferred such leave, an increase of 30.1 percent compared to 2012. In the first six months of this year, about 100,000 tourists were recorded 30.4 percent growth compared to the same period of 2013.

According to Hakobyan, the outcome of the meeting with the heads of five hotels show that compared data from last year’s sales are the same, which suggests that many Armenians prefer to spend the winter holidays outside countries.

Sona Yeghiazaryan director Joel travel agency said that Armenians prefer most of the time from hot countries such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, spending $ 700 to $ 800 per person on average.

“Europe is a favorable destination, only in this case, there is a problem with embassies, and those who want to leave have to look after their visa dice in August as we begin our bookings in August,” said Yeghiazaryan .dropoff window

Meanwhile, representatives of tourism sphere appreciate the growth of tourism receipts in Armenia but nevertheless regrets they emphasize that specifically winter is not considered an active season, because it is not filled with cultural events and the offers are limited to the parties in restaurants and concerts.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Economy last year Armenia was visited by over a million tourists – 12.6 percent more than in 2012 and the first six months of this year – around half a million or 17.3 percent more than during the same period last year.

To improve service for tourists this year three new hotels have been opened in Armenia, which, according to Hakob Hakobyan, has enriched the market supply by 550 new rooms. Next year, 300 rooms should be added.

“In Yerevan, we can find a room for every budget – from 15,000 drams to 700,000 drams (about $ 30 – $ 1500). The average price is 45,000 dramsD (about $ 100) including breakfast, and for a capital this is a normal price, “said Hakobyan predicting higher prices in the area.

“If food becomes more expensive it will be reflected on food expenditures by the hotel as” he has said.

By Sara Khojoyan

ArmeniaNow