Armenia Invests $100 Million to Boost Tourism and Welcome Gulf Visitors

In a move to strengthen its economy and attract more visitors, Armenia has announced a $100 million investment in tourism. The plan is part of a new agreement with the World Bank that seeks to develop Armenia’s tourism infrastructure and bring more tourists to its beautiful cities and regions.

At the same time, Armenia is opening its doors to travelers from the Gulf region. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman will no longer need a visa to visit Armenia. The decision was made by the Armenian government as part of its broader strategy to make the country a top destination for international visitors.

Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan called on Armenian businesses to prepare for an increase in visitors from these Gulf countries.

“I ask our business community to get ready,” he said. “If we work together and offer high-quality service, Armenia will become even more attractive to tourists.”

Minister Papoyan emphasized that this is not just about words—it's about action. “The government is making real investments in tourism,” he said. “We’re partnering with the World Bank again. Our new agreement will help us invest $100 million in developing tourist areas across Armenia.”

This large investment will support several key locations across the country:

• Goris: A historic town in southern Armenia known for its unique stone formations and cave dwellings.

• Yeghegis: A rural area that will become home to a new agriculture-based cluster, helping connect local food producers with tourism.

• Areni: Famous for its wine, this village will benefit from a new wine tourism cluster.

• Gyumri: Armenia’s second-largest city and a cultural center will receive major funding.

• Dilijan: Known as the "Switzerland of Armenia," it will grow as a health and wellness resort.

• Jermuk: Another health resort town will see “very large investments.”

• Aparan and Dvin: These communities will also be part of the tourism expansion plan.

  
  

This project builds on a previous successful partnership with the World Bank that already helped improve tourism infrastructure in the country.

While Armenia is welcoming visitors and improving its laws and systems, it is not abandoning its current international partnerships. Minister Papoyan made it clear that Armenia remains a committed member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and is not planning to leave the union.

His remarks came after Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that Armenia has not applied for membership in the European Union (EU), and there are no negotiations happening now.

Papoyan explained that Armenia is choosing the best of both worlds. The government is improving laws to match global standards, including EU rules on consumer protection and fair competition. Next week, Armenia’s parliament is expected to pass four new EU-style laws to help protect citizens and make the business environment more fair and modern.

“If the EU has the best laws to protect people’s rights and businesses, why shouldn’t we use them?” Papoyan asked.

He also noted that a draft proposal for Armenia to start EU membership talks—signed by more than 50,000 people—was not created by the ruling party. But when the Parliament allowed that proposal to be introduced, it showed the government’s openness to public opinion and democratic processes.

Armenia is making serious moves to put itself on the map. From lifting visa requirements for wealthy Gulf nations to launching a $100 million investment plan with the World Bank, the country is signaling that it is ready for growth.

Armenia is also showing that it can balance international cooperation with national independence. It can remain a part of the EAEU, borrow smart policies from the EU, and welcome tourists from around the world—all while preserving its own identity.

As more investments flow in and more tourists arrive, Armenia is setting the stage for a brighter, more connected future.

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