Why fewer Iranian tourists visit Armenia?

Iran and other Muslim countries celebrated Nowruz on March 21, and Iranian tourists flowed to Armenia.

However, far fewer Iranian tourists are visiting Armenia now as compared with previous years. Tour operators, the Tourism Department of Armenia’s Ministry of Economy, as well as tourists themselves believe US dollar fluctuations account for the situation.

Gohar Hovhannisyan, manager of the Sati travel agency, says far fewer tourists have visited Armenia in the recent three or four years.

“They have problems with the US exchange rate, and Armenia is not a cheap country now, beginning with renting. Iranian tourists can visit Turkey or Dubai and spend half the sums they spend in Armenia. We are not a cheap country for them any longer,” Ms Hovhannisyan said.

“We are not a Muslim country, and they come here to feel freer. They are not interested in the country’s history or culture. They come here to enjoy themselves,” she said.

The director of an Iranian restaurant complained to Tert.am that Iranians are often deceived in Armenia, particularly, when too high prices for services are asked from them.

“To take Iranian tourists to Lake Sevan, taxi drivers ask 70,000 drams (about $170). Iranians pay AMD 40,000 bills at restaurants, while European tourists pay 15,000 for the same,” he said.

Mekhak Apresyan, Head of the Tourism Department, Ministry of Economy, does not share the opinion that religious differences and lack of interest in historical monuments means that Armenia is of no interest to Iranian tourists.

“Despite of their religion, Iranians feel favorably treated here. Armenia has developed infrastructures. I cannot say we have no problems, but we have very interesting sights, and Iranian tourists can enjoy pastime. They also visit our historical and cultural monuments,” Apresyan said.

Iranian tourists also voice “welcome complaints.”

“They ask why the information on different historical and cultural monuments is not provided in the Persian language as well. They also want to be allowed to pray in hotels, and private companies often meet their wishes.”

“The number of Iranian tourists had steadily been increasing until 2011. That year, about 134,000 Iranians crossed the border into Armenia. The financial crisis caused a decline in the number of tourists going out of the country, including those visiting Armenia. Far fewer tourists visited Armenia in 2012 and in 2013,” Apresyan said.

Specifically, about 111,000 Iranian tourists visited Armenia in 2012, and 94,000 in 2013.

“But this is not a low figure, which shows that they do not visit Armenia during Nowruz only,” the official said.

Some Iranians strolling in Yerevan’s Republic Square and along North Avenue told Tert.am that service prices have risen in Armenia.

So they do not now visit the country as often as before. Another reason is USD fluctuations in Iran.