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Armenia welcomed a total of 1,459,000 tourists from January to September this year, up 14.4% from the same period last year, President of the Armenian Tourism Federation Mekhak Apresyan told a news conference on Tuesday.

The official stated the figures speak about the dynamic development of tourism in the country. 

“This [growth] is continuous. Except for 2015, every year we have recorded growth in this area. This year saw a growth too, which is a result of our state policy, as well as public and private efforts,” he said.

According to Mekhak Apresyan, the largest number of tourists arrive in Armenia from Russia, the US and Europe. The country also welcomes visitors from the Arab countries, the Philippines, Japan, the Scandinavian countries, as well as from China. The number of tourists arriving from China to Armenia grew strongly by 40-42% in January-September 2019 against the same months of 2018, he said. 

The Tourism Federation chief stressed the need to boost tourist flow to Armenia during winter months as well.

"Of course, we have winter tourism centers in Armenia – Jermuk, Tsakhkadzor. Now tourists are also starting to visit Ashotsk in Shirak Province, where skiing is more developed," he said, adding that the winter tourism in Armenia should not be limited to skiing and tourists can also spend New Year and Christmas holidays here as well.