Yerevan, November 22 /Mediamax/. By the end of 2006, the number of tourists, having visited Armenia, will make 380 thousand, Deputy Minister of Trade and Economic Development of Armenia Ara Petrosian stated in Yerevan today.

Mediamax reports that Ara Petrosian stated that during the 9 months of the current year, 272 thousand tourists visited Armenia, which is by 18% more, as compared to the same period of 2005.

The Deputy Minister voiced an opinion that in two-three years the number of tourists, annually visiting Armenia, will exceed the number of 500 thousand.

Ara Petrosian thinks that during the recent years the quality of services increased, which also contributes to the flow of tourists.

Tourists come to Armenia mostly form the USA and Russia. But year after year the geography of the visitors enlarges. So, in 2006 tourists from Singapore, China, South American countries visited Armenia.