Tourism was declared a priority in Armenia in 2001 when the country was celebrating the 1,700 anniversary of its proclaiming Christianity as state religion. In the following years the number of foreign visitors to Armenia grew by 92%. In January 2001 the US and Armenian governments set up an Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA).

Recently Armenia reported that despite global economic recession it's tourism industry has actually recorded a modest growth. Compared to the same period of last year in the first six months of 2009 the number of travelers to Armenia for recreation has grown by 0.1 percent.

The Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan in a meeting with tourism industry leaders has presented a package of “Cheap vacation packages and deals to Nagorno Karabakh” to encourage internal tourism and help to cushion the economic downturn. The meeting was held with more than 20 representatives of tour providers aiming to enhance the tourist visits to Nagorno Karabakh Republic, promoting development of travel industry in the region.

Armenia’s national air carrier, Armavia Air Company, will commence a new direct flight between Yerevan and Rome beginning July 15, 2009.

A group of nine prominent European journalists undertaking a 5-day trip to Armenia recently, as part of a UNWTO-supported familiarization trip, gave the country a big thumbs up.

Tourists who travel to Armenia as an ancient, beautiful and cheap family vacation destination in South Eastern European corner,also take the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful mountainous regions of the world, the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Today, the president of Nagorno Karabakh Mr. Bako Sahakyan met with the government to discuss way to develop tourism and recreation industry in the republic and attrack more tourists from Europe, USA and the Middle East.

The government of Armenia is engaged with a new idea of founding a “Monte Carlo or Las Vegas” in Tsaghkadzor, Sevan and Jermuk resorts in Arenia. These areas are the top resort places where many tourists, who travel to Armenia, come for recreation.

Armenian Public Radio reports that close to 20,000 vacationers from neighboring Iran have traveled to Armenia to celebrate Novruz, the Iranian New Year in Armenia due to liberties, affordability and warm weather.

Armenia is a developing tourism destination with numerous sights. It is also home to three UNESCO world heritage sites and as such lures cultural tourists as well as history lovers.

Armenia has become a popular affordable vacation destination for adventure travelers and for those who like riding horses. Welcomearmenia.com offers new tour package for summer holiday 2008 with horseback riding as an adventure travel in Armenian villages and country-side. Anybody can take the riding tour both beginners and professionals with experienced guides.

Armenia is one of the hidden hot tourism destinations located in South Caucasus. Lake Sevan, Dilijan and Tsaghkadzor with the country's 1700 years of Christian Tradition make it very appealing to international tourists and vacationers.