Jamanak: What economic damage will we incur from the lack of Iranian tourists?

Jamanak newspaper reports: "The decision of the commission for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus and the government’s approval have resulted in the suspension of land communication with the Islamic Republic of Iran for two weeks. Of course, it is crucial to implement preventive measures, but it is also essential to understand what economic damages may arise from this government decision.

As is known, most Iranians prefer to celebrate Nowruz in Armenia, for which they begin arriving in Armenia from March 15 and stay until April 4.

Jamanak spoke with tourism sector specialist Mekhak Apresyan, who provided us with some numerical data: "In 2017, around 220,000 Iranian citizens arrived in Armenia. However, this figure decreased in 2018, totaling about 160,000. In 2019, the number of Iranian tourists visiting Armenia remained at 160,000."

However, the Ministry of Economy indicates that it is too early to make any specific forecasts. "Since the regulation has a two-week duration and is temporary in nature, it is not considered the most active season for tourists traveling from Iran to Armenia; therefore, we do not estimate significant damages during this period," said the spokesperson for the minister, Anna Ohanyan."

For more details, see today’s issue of the newspaper.