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Armenia’s tourism boost: World Bank invests $100 million

Despite a dip in visitor numbers in 2024, Armenia is set for a tourism resurgence. The World Bank has approved a $100 million infrastructure project to revamp roads, enhance visitor experiences, and create local jobs.
Carved partly into the cliffs of the Azat Valley, Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval architecture, sacred springs, and haunting acoustics. Founded in the 4th century and expanded in the 13th, it once housed a relic believed to be the spear that pierced Christ’s side. Few visitors know that the name «Geghard» means «spear»—and that deep within its cave chapels, pilgrims still leave handwritten prayers pressed into ancient stone walls. Photo: William John Gauthier, Flickr CC BY 2.0
Carved partly into the cliffs of the Azat Valley, Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval architecture, sacred springs, and haunting acoustics. Founded in the 4th century and expanded in the 13th, it once housed a relic believed to be the spear that pierced Christ’s side. Few visitors know that the name «Geghard» means «spear»—and that deep within its cave chapels, pilgrims still leave handwritten prayers pressed into ancient stone walls. Photo: William John Gauthier, Flickr CC BY 2.0

From ancient monasteries to mountain escapes, the country is positioning itself as a rising star for cultural and adventure travel.

In 2024, Armenia's tourism sector experienced a 4.6% decline in visitor numbers, with 2,208,179 tourists compared to 2,316,666 in 2023 . This downturn was largely attributed to a significant drop in Russian tourists, who traditionally comprised a substantial portion of Armenia's visitors.

Armenia is the only country remaining from 3,000-year-old maps of Anatolia. Armenia was the first state in the world to adopt Christianity as its religion. Peter Balakian Pulitzer Prize-winning Armenian-American poet and author
Founded in the 1800s and home to around 16,000 people, Dilijan is known as the «Switzerland of Armenia» for its mountain air and lush forests. Top sights include Lake Parz, Haghartsin Monastery, and the cobbled artisan street of Sharambeyan. Few know about the nearby «Drunken Forest,» where tilted trees grow from old landslides—or that the town’s name comes from a shepherd lost to legend, mourned as «Dili jan.» Photo: Alexxx Malev, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
Founded in the 1800s and home to around 16,000 people, Dilijan is known as the «Switzerland of Armenia» for its mountain air and lush forests. Top sights include Lake Parz, Haghartsin Monastery, and the cobbled artisan street of Sharambeyan. Few know about the nearby «Drunken Forest,» where tilted trees grow from old landslides—or that the town’s name comes from a shepherd lost to legend, mourned as «Dili jan.» Photo: Alexxx Malev, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Many attractions

Despite the decline, Armenia's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty continued to attract travelers. Notable attractions included the Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site partially carved into a mountain ​; the Garni Temple, a 1st-century Greco-Roman structure ​; and the Tatev Monastery, accessible via the Wings of Tatev, one of the world's longest reversible aerial tramways . Lake Sevan and the town of Dilijan, known as «Armenia's Little Switzerland,» also remained popular destinations.


Improving infrastructure

To revitalize the tourism industry, the World Bank approved a $100 million project aimed at enhancing Armenia's tourism infrastructure. This initiative focuses on improving roads, urban services, and tourism experiences in seven key regions, aiming to create jobs, attract private investment, and benefit over a million residents and visitors annually .​


Armenia is rapidly expanding its international flight connections, making it easier than ever for travelers to access the country.

FLYONE Armenia has launched a new direct route between Yerevan and Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany. The flight operates twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, and significantly improves accessibility for European tourists looking to explore Armenia’s historic capital and surrounding regions.

Meanwhile, Armenian Airlines has been expanding its network across multiple countries. Direct flights have been introduced to Volgograd in Russia, Tbilisi and Batumi in Georgia, and Delhi in India. These additions are part of a broader effort to strengthen regional ties, support tourism growth, and open Armenia to more international visitors.

Destination of the Year

Armenia was recently named «Destination of the Year for Adventure Tourism» at the PATWA International Travel Awards, held during the ITB Berlin Convention—one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. PATWA (Pacific Area Travel Writers Association) is a global network of travel writers and tourism professionals that recognizes excellence in the travel industry.


The country is attracting growing interest from travelers around the world, drawn by its mix of authenticity, deep history, and striking natural beauty. The New Zealand Herald recently featured Armenia as one of Europe’s best countries with fewer crowds, recommending it as a destination to visit now—before it becomes a mainstream tourist hotspot. It’s a prime choice for those seeking meaningful, uncrowded travel experiences.

Held every June in the capital’s streets, Yerevan Wine Days is a vibrant festival blending ancient winemaking with modern flair. Guests sample local wines from native grapes like Areni and Voskehat, enjoy gourmet food and music, and mingle with over 120,000 visitors. Few know the festival’s symbol—a clay wine jar—is based on a 9th-century BC artifact, linking today’s celebration to Armenia’s 6,000-year-old wine legacy. Photo: Bogossi Production, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Held every June in the capital’s streets, Yerevan Wine Days is a vibrant festival blending ancient winemaking with modern flair. Guests sample local wines from native grapes like Areni and Voskehat, enjoy gourmet food and music, and mingle with over 120,000 visitors. Few know the festival’s symbol—a clay wine jar—is based on a 9th-century BC artifact, linking today’s celebration to Armenia’s 6,000-year-old wine legacy. Photo: Bogossi Production, Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

120,000 visitors at wine festival

Additionally, Armenia's cultural events, such as the Yerevan Wine Days, continued to draw international attention. In 2024, the festival welcomed around 120,000 visitors, including approximately 25,000 tourists, and its total economic impact was estimated at around $25 million .​

Looking ahead, Armenia remains committed to enhancing its tourism offerings and infrastructure, aiming to provide enriching experiences for visitors while supporting local communities and preserving its cultural heritage.


Armenia's top attractions


Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple

  • Location: Approximately 40 km east of Yerevan, in the Kotayk Province.

  • About: Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its rock-carved architecture and spiritual significance. Nearby, the Temple of Garni stands as Armenia's only surviving Greco-Roman colonnaded building, dating back to the 1st century AD.

  • How to get there: From Yerevan, take bus numbers 22, 26, or 36 to Gai Bus Station. From there, minibuses (marshrutkas) depart approximately every 40 minutes to the village of Goght, near Geghard Monastery. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs around 250 AMD (~$0.50). Alternatively, taxis are available for a faster, more direct route.

    At nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, Lake Sevan is one of the world’s largest alpine lakes—framed by mountains and kissed by crisp winds. On a rocky peninsula once an island, the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery watches over the water. Few visitors know that monks built it as a place of penance, and that Lake Sevan’s water level has dropped dramatically since Soviet times, revealing ancient structures once submerged. Photo: Levon Avdoyan, Flickr CC BY 2.0
    At nearly 2,000 meters above sea level, Lake Sevan is one of the world’s largest alpine lakes—framed by mountains and kissed by crisp winds. On a rocky peninsula once an island, the 9th-century Sevanavank Monastery watches over the water. Few visitors know that monks built it as a place of penance, and that Lake Sevan’s water level has dropped dramatically since Soviet times, revealing ancient structures once submerged. Photo: Levon Avdoyan, Flickr CC BY 2.0

    Lake Sevan

  • Location: Situated in the Gegharkunik Province, about 60 km northeast of Yerevan.

  • About: Lake Sevan is one of the largest freshwater high-altitude lakes in the world, offering scenic beauty, recreational activities, and historical sites like the Sevanavank Monastery.

  • How to get there: The most convenient way is by taxi, taking approximately 1 hour from Yerevan and costing around 5,000–6,000 AMD ($12–$14). Alternatively, minibuses are available for about 600–800 AMD ($2).

In the face of adversity, the Armenians have not only survived but created a culture of great beauty. Barack Obama 44th President of the United States

Tatev Monastery and Wings of Tatev

  • Location: Located in the Syunik Province, near the town of Goris, approximately 250 km southeast of Yerevan.

  • About: Tatev Monastery, a 9th-century architectural masterpiece, is perched on a cliff overlooking the Vorotan Gorge. The monastery is accessible via the «Wings of Tatev,» the world's longest reversible aerial tramway.

  • How to get there: From Yerevan, take a bus to Goris, which takes about 4.5 hours. From Goris, a taxi to the Halidzor station (the starting point of the cable car) costs around $5. The cable car ride to the monastery offers breathtaking views of the gorge.

Yerevan is a city where you feel time differently. The past walks beside you in the streets. Nazik Armenakyan Armenian photojournalist

Dilijan and Dilijan National Park

  • Location: Approximately 95 km northeast of Yerevan, in the Tavush Province.

  • About: Known as the «Switzerland of Armenia,» Dilijan is a resort town surrounded by lush forests and mountains. The nearby Dilijan National Park offers hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna, and historical sites like the Haghartsin and Goshavank monasteries.

  • How to get there: Minibuses (marshrutkas) depart from Yerevan's Northern Bus Station to Dilijan, costing about 1,000 AMD ($2.50) and taking approximately 2 hours. Taxis are also available for around 17,000 AMD ($45).


Yerevan

  • Location: The capital city of Armenia, located in the western part of the country.

  • About: Yerevan is a vibrant city blending ancient history with modern culture. Key attractions include Republic Square, the Armenian Genocide Museum, the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, and the Matenadaran (Museum of Ancient Manuscripts).

  • How to get there: Yerevan is accessible via Zvartnots International Airport, with public transportation options like buses, taxis, and a metro system available within the city.


Khor Virap Monastery

  • Location: Approximately 43 km south of Yerevan, near the Turkish border.

  • About: Khor Virap is a significant pilgrimage site, known for its deep pit where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned. The monastery offers stunning views of Mount Ararat.

  • How to get there: From Yerevan, take a public bus to Artashat city or Pokr Vedi village, then walk about 20 minutes to the monastery. Alternatively, taxis are available for around $30 round-trip.


Noravank Monastery

  • Location: Situated in the Vayots Dzor Province, about 120 km southeast of Yerevan.

  • About: Noravank is a 13th-century monastery nestled in a narrow gorge known for its red cliffs. The site is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and historical significance.

  • How to get there: From Yerevan, take a bus to Yeghegnadzor, then a taxi to the monastery. The total journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Towering at 4,090 meters, Mount Aragats is Armenia’s highest peak—a dormant volcano with four distinct summits and sweeping views across the Caucasus. It’s a sacred site in Armenian folklore and a favorite for summer hikers and snow adventurers. Few know that ancient petroglyphs lie scattered along its slopes, and that the nearby Amberd Fortress once guarded royal routes at over 2,000 meters above sea level. Photo: Ralf Steinberger, Flickr CC BY 2.0
Towering at 4,090 meters, Mount Aragats is Armenia’s highest peak—a dormant volcano with four distinct summits and sweeping views across the Caucasus. It’s a sacred site in Armenian folklore and a favorite for summer hikers and snow adventurers. Few know that ancient petroglyphs lie scattered along its slopes, and that the nearby Amberd Fortress once guarded royal routes at over 2,000 meters above sea level. Photo: Ralf Steinberger, Flickr CC BY 2.0

Mount Aragats

  • Location: Approximately 97 km northwest of Yerevan, in the Aragatsotn Province.

  • About: Mount Aragats is Armenia's highest peak, featuring four summits and offering hiking opportunities with panoramic views. The southern summit is the most accessible for hikers.

  • How to get there: From Yerevan, take a minibus to Aparan, then arrange for transportation to the base of the mountain. The entire trip takes about 2.5 hours.


Debed Canyon and Sanahin/Haghpat Monasteries

  • Location: Located in the Lori Province, northern Armenia.

  • About: Debed Canyon is a picturesque gorge housing the UNESCO-listed

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