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March 10, 2025 | 05:40 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has named Armenia as the Destination of the Year for Adventure Tourism. The award was presented at the annual Internationale Tourismus Brse (ITB) ceremony in Berlin on March 5, 2025. The organization, which operates in the field of tourism, travel, and hospitality, also recognized various other categories, including tourist destinations, airlines, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and more.
According to information from PATWA's official website, the selection process was carried out by a jury consisting of the Patwa International Awards Council and members of the organization's media. The council gathered, selected, and finalized the nominations. The nominated destinations were evaluated based on various standards with internal audits based on parameters set for each category.
Armenia, which is named the best adventure vacation spot in 2025, is a landlocked country in the southern Caucasus region. According to Time Out, the reason behind Noah's Land receiving this award is because the area is ideal for outdoor adventures. Hikers can trek the paths of the Zangezur Mountains along the Azerbaijan border, or take a multi-day journey in the central part of the Geghama Mountains. The highest point in the country is Mount Aragats, standing at 4,090 meters above sea level.
This West Asian country can be a choice for nature tourism enthusiasts and adventurers. The natural landscape in Armenia is suitable for adrenaline-pumping activities such as rock climbing and paragliding. The rock formations in the country provide opportunities for both novice and experienced climbers, while paragliding offers views of Lake Sevan and the Vayots Dzor region.
In addition to thrilling adventures, Armenia also boasts numerous cultural sites to visit, including the Genocide Museum, Armenian Memorial, and the impressive Cafesjian Center for the Arts, a striking Soviet-era building with five exhibition halls and two galleries. Furthermore, other cultural attractions to visit include Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, which offers many locations for tourists to explore, such as the Parajanov Museum, the Electrical Museum, and Saryan Street.
Expressing pride in receiving the award from PATWA, Chairperson of the Armenian Tourism Committee, Lusine Gevorgyan, stated, "This recognition is proof of the beauty of Armenia, the diverse adventure tourism it offers, and the dedication of our tourism sector. We invite tourists from around the world to explore the stunning landscapes of Armenia and experience the thrill of adventuring in a country rich in history and hospitality," she said.
Despite the country's efforts to promote sustainable tourism, most of its tourist attractions remain untouched by tourists. Citing Arka, based on a report from Armenia's National Statistical Committee, the number of foreign tourists visiting Noah's Land in 2024 was 2.2 million, a 4.7 percent decrease from 2023, which saw 2.3 million visitors.
The largest number of tourists came from Russia, totaling 937,823, followed by 266,048 from Georgia, and 176,435 from Iran. The low influx of tourists to Armenia is attributed to several factors, including rough and inaccessible roads in some areas, difficulties in transportation in certain regions, and language barriers for tourists who do not understand Armenian or Russian.
On the other hand, as stated on Armenia's official tourism website, the country has taken significant steps to promote sustainable and responsible adventure tourism. The local government ensured the preservation of its natural resources for future generations through sustainable investments in eco-friendly infrastructure, adventure development, and community involvement.
NIA NUR FADILLAH | TIME OUT | ARMENIA TRAVEL | ARKA | PATWA
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