Latest news with #TourismCommittee
Gulf Insider
13-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Armenia Announces Visa-Free Travel for Citizens
Citizens and residents of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain will be able to travel to Armenia from next month onwards without needing a visa. Effective July 1, 2025, Armenia will introduce visa-free entry for citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen economic relations, boost tourism, and facilitate business opportunities between Armenia and the GCC member states. This significant development aims to enhance Armenia's attractiveness as an accessible and welcoming destination within the South Caucasus, particularly appealing to visitors from: UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait Qatar Bahrain Oman The new visa free policy will apply to all passport holders from GCC member states, enabling travel for tourism, leisure, or business purposes without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Additionally, individuals holding valid residency permit issued by any of the GCC countries with at least six months of validity from the date of entry to Armenia, will also be eligible for visa-free entry, thereby broadening the accessibility for a substantial segment of the GCC expatriate communities. Officials have highlighted the timeliness of this decision, noting the growing interest among GCC nationals and residents in exploring nearby destinations. A statement on state-run Armenpress news agency said: 'The Armenian government has lifted visa requirements for citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as persons having residence permits in several other countries. 'The decision was made at the Cabinet meeting on May 22 and is expected to boost tourism and investments. 'Citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Oman will no longer need visa to enter Armenia. Foreign nationals who hold residence permit in the US, EU countries, Schengen agreement countries, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait or Oman will likewise no longer need visa to enter Armenia'. Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic added: 'This milestone reflects our dedication to making Armenia more accessible to regional travellers. 'We look forward to welcoming more guests from the GCC who seek meaningful travel experiences – whether through our ancient monasteries, vibrant food scene, or immersive cultural festivals.' The Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia anticipates that the visa waiver will further stimulate collaboration with the GCC. The initiative supports a broader tourism strategy, which includes enhanced air connectivity, improved visitor infrastructure, and dynamic destination marketing across global markets. The Eurasian country previously introduced visa-free travel for UAE citizens in 2017, Qatar citizens in 2019 and Kuwait citizens in 2022 – successful moves that laid the foundation for this expanded regional visa policy. Also read: UAE To Offer Visa-Free Travel To Armenia Next Week
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Armenia charts responsible tourism growth, eyes investments
Armenia is positioning tourism as a key pillar of economic development, with plans to expand infrastructure, diversify source markets, and promote sustainable practices, according to the Chairman of Armenia's Tourism Committee. 'Our population is only 3 million but we have big plans to grow tourism,' Lusine Gevorgyan told Zawya Projects, adding that the country welcomed 2.2 million international tourists in 2023. She noted that efforts are underway to upgrade travel infrastructure and enhance service quality across the sector. 'Our focus is not on mass tourism, but rather on attracting conscious travellers who value Armenia's natural and cultural assets,' Gevorgyan said. In addition to ATM 2025 in Dubai last month, the country has participated in global expos such as FITUR in Madrid and ITB Berlin to promote tourism. At ITB Berlin, Armenia received recognition as the Best Adventure Destination for 2025 at ITB. Beyond adventure travel, Armenia is leveraging its Christian heritage, gastronomy, and traditional crafts to attract visitors. It is also promoting medical tourism by highlighting the affordability and quality of care available in local clinics. With festivals throughout the year, the tourism committee has set its sights on festival tourism. 'The committee is supporting 12 festivals this year, which includes the Yerevan Wine Festival which attracted more than 100,000 people last year,' Gevorgyan said. While Russia is the key source market, accounting for 40 percent of tourist, last year saw increase in tourist numbers from France, Germany, and the GCC countries. Engagement is expanding with India, Kazakhstan, and China, with steps toward easing visa procedures and strengthening diplomatic ties. To attract foreign investment, the government has introduced infrastructure support in terms of roads, power and water and cashback incentives for qualified tourism developments. Successful projects such as the Myler Winter Resort in Aragats demonstrate investor interest, the chairman said. With rising tourist arrivals, workforce training is a priority, according to the Chairman. 'Two new hospitality schools are scheduled to open in 2024 in Dilijan and Gyumri. The tourism committee will make regional training programmes will cover service, sustainability, and hospitality education programmes in 10 regions,' she noted. Looking ahead, the Tourism Strategy 2026–2030, which is currently being prepared, will guide long-term sector development. The plan includes sustainable tourism, targeted market expansion in Asia and the Middle East, and popular destinations modeled on global benchmarks like Dubai. 'A UAE-Armenia investment forum is scheduled for later this year in Yerevan,' she disclosed. Gevorgyan emphasised Armenia's commitment to preserving the environment and local culture. Steps include training licensed guides, sensitising hotels and businesses to importance of conservation, promoting waste management, encouraging eco-accommodations, and integrating tourism into community-based development. 'We aim to grow tourism responsibly—supporting the economy while safeguarding Armenia's heritage,' the chairman concluded. (Writing by SA Kader; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Arabian Business
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi visitors to Moscow surge 470% as Russia boosts tourism ties
Moscow welcomed 52,400 Saudi tourists in 2024, a nearly six-fold increase from 9,300 visitors the previous year, as Russia's capital strengthens tourism partnerships with the kingdom, Moscow officials said during a promotional tour of Saudi Arabia. The Moscow City Tourism Committee delegation visited Riyadh and Jeddah to promote cultural exchange and position the Russian capital as a leading destination for Saudi travellers as the kingdom's outbound tourism market grows. Saudi tourism to Moscow soars ' Saudi Arabia 's growing interest in Moscow reflects the city's rising profile as a destination that blends rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions,' said Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. 'In the first quarter of 2025, Moscow welcomed 9,900 visitors from Saudi Arabia – it's a 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year,' he added. The introduction of an electronic visa system in August 2023 has played a significant role in facilitating travel, with more than 80,000 e-visas issued to Saudi nationals to date, making the kingdom the second-largest recipient of Russian e-visas, according to Moscow officials. The Russian capital has been adapting to accommodate Muslim visitors, with many hotels offering halal dining options and prayer facilities. The city has created a dedicated Muslim-friendly guide listing recommended accommodations and more than 30 halal restaurants throughout Moscow. This summer, the city will host a series of cultural festivals including the Gardens and Flowers Festival, Theatre Boulevard 2025, the Moscow Mansions programme, Moscow Jazz Festival, and Chess Boulevard, designed to offer family-friendly experiences. The tourism outreach efforts align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programme, which includes plans to build international cultural partnerships and knowledge exchange, the committee said.
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
QC proposes joint council to boost tourism ties with Armenia
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Chamber hosted a delegation from Armenia, headed by Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy, and her accompanying delegation on Sunday. The delegation was received bySheikh Hamad bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Thani, QC Board Member and Chairman of the Chamber's Tourism Committee at the Chamber's headquarters. Also present at the meeting was HE Tigran Gevorgyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Qatar. The meeting discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the Qatari and Armenian private sectors in the tourism sector and reviewed the most important areas of cooperation and investment incentives between companies from both sides and the facilities provided by Armenia to attract Qatari investments in the sector. Sheikh Hamad bin Ahmed Al Thani said that the two countries enjoyed close and developed cooperation relations, expressing his hope to expand cooperation between the two sides through the formation of a small business council that brings together a group of Qatari and Armenian investors and business owners to discuss areas of cooperation and partnership and explore the potential for cooperation between the two sides in all sectors. He noted that the council will contribute to increasing mutual visits between business owners from the two countries and exploring opportunities for cooperation and partnership in infrastructure, entertainment cities, hotels, services and others. For her part, the head of the Armenian delegation said that her country looks forward to developing cooperation with the Qatari side in the tourism sector and increasing the number of Qatari tourists to Armenia, which offers a variety of tourist places and attracting Qatari investments in all fields, especially the tourism sector. Gevorgyan invited Qatari business owners to visit her country to learn about the investment climate and opportunities available in Armenia and to participate in the events organised to promote the economy and investment climate in Armenia.
Express Tribune
12-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Uzbekistan deepen tourism ties
Listen to article In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties and promote regional tourism, Pakistan and Uzbekistan held a high-level tourism engagement in Islamabad. The event brought together senior tourism officials, diplomats, and industry stakeholders from both countries. The Uzbek delegation was led by Umid Shadiev, Chairman of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee, along with Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev. Senior officials from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and representatives from the local tourism sector participated on behalf of Pakistan. PTDC's managing director highlighted the shared historical and cultural heritage between the two nations, rooted in the ancient Silk Road. "Tourism is not just an exchange of money; it is an exchange of stories, experiences, and friendships," he noted, emphasising travel as a means to foster peace and collaboration. Discussions focused on leveraging tourism opportunities in both countriesfrom Uzbekistan's historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva to Pakistan's scenic north and archaeological sites like Mohenjo-Daro and the Shahi Fort. Prominent Pakistani tour operators were invited to explore Uzbekistan as a travel destination. The Uzbek delegation offered detailed insights into Uzbekistan's tourism offerings, covering cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Shadiev reaffirmed Uzbekistan's desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan. "Uzbekistan sees Pakistan not just as a neighbour, but as a trusted friend," he said, envisioning a tourism bridge connecting both nations. Actionable steps were outlined, including launching joint cultural festivals, promoting youth and media exchange programmes, and improving direct flight connectivity.
