Armenia Government Plans Tourist Centers to Enhance their Infrastructure and Services, Boosting Tourism Growth for the Large-Scale Visitors

Published on December 25, 2025

In one of the most important decisions, the government of Armenia announced a plan to establish tourist centers throughout the country during the Cabinet meeting on Thursday. In this context, it is urgent to make a well-coordinated effort regarding the development of infrastructure in Armenia’s tourism sphere. These centers are expected to enhance the interest of investors in more systematic and balanced development of tourism destinations, especially outside the capital, Yerevan, which has not yet become fully prepared to host big flows of visitors with appropriate infrastructure. The government, therefore, focuses on sustainable tourism that guarantees development but also ensures environmental and cultural protection.

Improving Armenia’s Tourism Infrastructure and Accessibility

One of the primary concerns highlighted by the government is the current state of tourism infrastructure in Armenia, particularly in rural areas. Despite the country’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty, many destinations lack the essential infrastructure needed to support an influx of high-spending tourists. The lack of well-maintained roads, tourist signage, and sanitary facilities has hindered the country’s potential as a tourism hub, particularly in areas that lie beyond Yerevan.

With the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 ranking Armenia 84th in the “Infrastructure and Services” sub-index, it is evident that there is significant room for improvement. Armenia trails behind its regional neighbors such as Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, all of which have more developed tourism infrastructure. This ranking underscores the importance of the tourism sector in Armenia’s economic strategy and the need to address infrastructure gaps in order to attract larger numbers of international visitors.

Vision for Tourist Centers: Sustainable and Coordinated Development

The Armenian government’s initiative to set up tourist centers aims to address these challenges by establishing thematic tourist clusters in various regions. These centers will focus on providing centralized management of tourist destinations, ensuring that these areas meet international standards while promoting Armenia’s unique landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The concept of sustainable tourism development is at the heart of this initiative, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that growth does not compromise the country’s natural and cultural assets.

By focusing on sustainable practices, the tourist centers will help protect Armenia’s rich cultural diversity, including tangible and intangible heritage, and ensure that biodiversity and local values are preserved. These centers will play a crucial role in promoting eco-friendly tourism and minimizing the environmental footprint of increased visitor traffic, ensuring that Armenia’s beauty remains intact for future generations.

Key Objectives of the Tourist Centers

The proposed tourist centers will have several key objectives to strengthen Armenia’s tourism sector while prioritizing sustainable development:

1. Coordinated Tourism Management: Centralized management will ensure that all tourism activities align with national and international standards, making Armenia an attractive destination for tourists seeking quality, sustainable experiences.
2. Improved Infrastructure: These centers will help ensure the improvement of essential infrastructure, such as roads, sanitary facilities, and telecommunications, including mobile and fixed internet services. By improving connectivity and facilities, Armenia will enhance the visitor experience while reducing the environmental impact through efficient, sustainable infrastructure.
3. Sustainable Development Practices: By promoting the efficient use of natural resources and adhering to eco-friendly tourism principles, these centers will help ensure that tourism growth aligns with environmental sustainability. This includes waste management systems, renewable energy use, and eco-conscious designs for tourism facilities.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: The government plans to encourage the involvement of both the public and private sectors in tourism development, ensuring better coordination and investment in tourism infrastructure and services that adhere to sustainability standards.
5. Community Engagement: The success of the tourism centers will depend on the active involvement of local communities, ensuring that tourism benefits the people living in the areas while also fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward sustainable practices.
6. Investment Attraction: These initiatives aim to attract both domestic and international investments, contributing to long-term growth in the tourism sector and creating new opportunities for both local communities and the economy as a whole. Sustainable tourism will also attract eco-conscious investors and travelers, further supporting Armenia’s goals.

Armenia’s Future in the Global Sustainable Tourism Market

Armenia’s decision to create tourist centers is part of a broader strategy to place the country on the global tourism map as a leader in sustainable tourism. The establishment of these centers will not only improve the quality of tourism services but also help create a tourism ecosystem that promotes sustainability, cultural exchange, and community development.

In the longer term, these improvements are expected to lead to a steady increase in tourist arrivals, contributing significantly to the national economy. As Armenia positions itself as a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination, it will likely attract a broader range of travelers, from eco-tourists to luxury visitors. Furthermore, the tourism centers will help bolster Armenia’s position as a regional tourism leader in the South Caucasus, attracting visitors not just from neighboring countries but from across the globe.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Armenian Tourism

Looking toward the future, Secretary Frasco expressed confidence in the potential for tourism to play a key role in the Philippines’ economic growth and cultural exchange. The country’s upcoming hosting of key international events like the ASEAN Tourism Forum and the United Nations Global Forum on Gastronomy will not only boost the Philippines’ standing as a tourism destination but also pave the way for the development of sustainable tourism across the region.

The Philippines tourism sector, under the leadership of the DOT, continues to build upon its resilience and growth, even in the face of adversity. The tourism recovery process is ongoing, and despite the difficulties of 2025, the country remains poised to lead in the promotion of sustainable tourism practices, cultural heritage, and gastronomy tourism. The upcoming forums will undoubtedly reinforce the Philippines’ commitment to building a sustainable and thriving tourism sector that benefits both locals and visitors alike.

A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism Growth and Preservation

The Armenian government initiative to establish tourist centers is the major step toward enhancing infrastructure for tourism and ensuring that any development within the sector is in line with principles of sustainability. The prospect of transforming its tourism sector into a leading cause of economic growth and cultural exchange is bright for Armenia, given its coordinated development with improved services and sustainable practices. With strategic planning, effective infrastructure development, and active community participation, this country can become one of the best destinations for tourists within the region and welcome visitors while preserving heritage and natural beauty for generations to come.