Unexpected results of the tourist season in Armenia

Armenia remains one of the popular destinations among Russians, despite the steady decline in tourist flow from Russia. This is evidenced by the data provided by travel companies and experts from the Russian Federation surveyed by Sputnik Armenia.

According to data for January-May 2025, 256 367 Russian citizens visited Armenia. This is 37% of the total number of tourists (in previous years, the share of Russians ranged from 45% to 49%).

Experts highlight three key reasons for the decline in Russian interest in Armenia: the geopolitical situation, rising prices and inconvenience in payments after Russian bank cards were blocked.

However, not all experts are recording a decline in interest. On the contrary, the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RTI) notes an increase in demand for trips to Armenia in 2025. The RTI explains that the decrease in the total number of visitors is not due to a drop in tourist flow, but to a decrease in the number of relocators and transit tourists. At the same time, sales of tours through tour operators, on the contrary, are showing a certain growth, which indicates an increase in the attractiveness of Armenia as a tourist destination.

At the same time, according to the country's Tourism Committee, Armenia was presented on one of the largest and most famous online travel platforms, Expedia, as an attractive tourist destination.