Iranian tourism: Armenia more and more attracts our neighbors
From the beginning of the week abundance of Iranian tourists was observed in the capital. Novruz Bayram—New Year of Iranians has brought them to Armenia, which starts from the fourth week of March and lasts for 13 days. In the period of those two weeks Armenia welcomes 20-25 thousand Iranians.
The reason for this short activeness is that bans conditioned by the religion in Iran are numerous, and in Armenia there are no bans, and Iranians may entertain the way they wish. They can be met everywhere, from museums to night clubs. Of course, in this regard Europe would be more preferred, however, Armenia is closer, and a considerable part of Iranians travels to Armenia by their own cars.
This year bigger flow of tourists is anticipated from Iran. Although last year also record indices have been recorded on a yearly basis.
Thus, in 2016 based on the structure of geographical distribution specific gravity of Iranian tourists visited Armenia comprised 17%, and in this regard it concedes only Russia (21.7%). For comparison it should be stated that in 2015 that index was 10%. Thus, today Iran is Armenia’s number 2 partner regarding tourism, and has bypassed the USA and constantly moves forward to bypass Russia as well.
Flow of Iranians throughout recent 15 years had a cyclonic nature. Their flow from 2000s to 2011 has grown and exceeded 100 thousand, then reduced in 2012-2013, average 80-90 thousand people per year. Slowdown of Iranian tourist flow (not only to Armenia, but in other directions as well) was mostly conditioned by economic sanctions imposed against Iran.
The second stage of growth started from 2014: Armenia received about 110 thousand Iranian tourists in 2014, in 2015—more than 140 thousand, and in 2016—around 180 thousand.
What is conditioned recent growth of Iranians tourists by? According to tour operators there are several reasons, one of which is linked to Turkey. Formerly flow of Iranian tourists to Turkey was rather big, up to 2 million tourists per year. However, worsening of Turkey-Iran relations, on the one hand, and frequent terror attacks in Turkey on the other, started bothering Iranian tourists. Some part substituted Turkey with Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, as they prefer a closer and safer country.
Naturally Georgia is a contestant to Armenia to involve Iranian tourists. Main privilege toward Armenia is the sea, however, Armenia has other privileges, first, it’s closer, second, Persian language service in Armenia is more developed, and Iranians feel more at ease in this regard.
In the period of 2016 two more factors played their role regarding tourists visiting to Armenia from Iran. Firstly, elimination of sanctions against Iran, which allowed the country to receive adiditonal financial flows (in exchange rate).
And the second factor is that visa-free regime between Armenia and Iran that came into force in August 2016. This means citizens of Armenia and Iran are free from visas, if they stay in a neighboring country for not more than 90 days in 180 day term.
Of course, it’s early touching upon total influence of these factors, however, they definitely contribute to growth of flow of Iranian tourists.
There are preventive circumstances as well, e.g. due to sanctions Iranians yet fail to book hotels online in Armenia with Visa card and Mastercard. The issue was yet raised in early 2016 by head of armhotels.am website Ashot Nazaryan.
The issue still exists, however, it’s possible that in forthcoming months the issue may be solved. Iranians also complain that Armenian banks refuse to open accounts for Iranian citizens avoiding issues. Currently only Mellat Bank serves Iranians, functioning with Iranian capital.
There are other complaints as well linked to infrastructures. Tourists travelling to Armenia by their own cars complain of the road quality and road signs. They aren’t adjusted for a foreigner and it’s difficult to orientate (in Georgia the condition is much better in that regard).
For the sake of justice it should be stated that those issues seem to be settled. It refers not road quality (it’s a serious and costly issue), but information access. In particular, during the days of Novruz information centers in Persian language have been prepared for tourists visiting Armenia (newspaper, information banners and etc.). However, a lot still remains to implement.
Iranians not visiting by their cars are bothered with the attitude of taxi drivers, who, making use of the situation, demand a few times bigger amount for the same distance.
It seems these are nuances. However, as it’s said, the most important things are hidden behind nuances. This means, Iranian tourism has unrealized potential for Armenia, however, work is necessary to implement to that end.
By Babken Tunyan
