Armenia is focusing on medical and religious tourism
23.02.2026,
14:20
Armenia plans to actively promote tourism in several areas, from medical to eco- and religious, according to Lusine Gevorgyan, head of the Tourism Committee.
YEREVAN, February 23. /ARKA/. Armenia plans to actively promote tourism in several areas, from medical to eco- and religious, according to Lusine Gevorgyan, head of the Tourism Committee.
"In January, Armenia will host a conference on medical tourism jointly with the UN. Representatives from countries with successful experience in medical tourism will come to Armenia as part of the conference. These countries receive hundreds of thousands of patient tourists annually," Gevorgyan said.
She noted that medical tourism has many facets.
"We are working on creating digital tools to help tourists find accessible and high-quality services. Med.am will soon be launched, where you can find the best certified doctors in plastic and aesthetic surgery, and more. Through this platform, you can connect with insurers and tour operators," Gevorgyan said.
She noted that ecotourism and religious tourism have great potential.
"Many tourists don't know that Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. We will offer new products and develop those already in demand," Gevorgyan said.
She emphasized the importance of Armenia's representation at various international forums.
"The importance of domestic tourism must also be taken into account. We are talking about developing infrastructure through a government program in the regions, grant programs for tourism education, and systematizing information (digitizing data) on all tour operators. The Tourism Committee will provide certificates. A rating system will be launched," Gevorgyan said.
As part of the strategy, she said, guides will be encouraged to show not only churches but also the beauty of nature, organize tastings of local dishes, and much more.
"This will help keep tourists engaged," Gevorgyan said.
In January, the Armenian government approved the Strategic Tourism Development Program for 2026–2030 to comprehensively address the industry's problems and coordinate existing reforms, including legislative ones. The document also addresses practical issues, such as upgrading roads to tourist sites, improving cleanliness, developing tourist infrastructure (including restrooms), and improving service quality. If successfully implemented, by 2030 the program aims to increase the number of international tourist visits to 3 million and domestic visits to 4.5 million, increase tourist spending to $3.8 billion, and create an additional 20,000 jobs. The strategy highlights key areas (cultural, gastronomic, and adventure) and envisages the development of agro-, MICE, religious, medical, and health tourism. In 2025, 2,263,642 tourists visited Armenia (up 2.5% year-on-year).
"In January, Armenia will host a conference on medical tourism jointly with the UN. Representatives from countries with successful experience in medical tourism will come to Armenia as part of the conference. These countries receive hundreds of thousands of patient tourists annually," Gevorgyan said.
She noted that medical tourism has many facets.
"We are working on creating digital tools to help tourists find accessible and high-quality services. Med.am will soon be launched, where you can find the best certified doctors in plastic and aesthetic surgery, and more. Through this platform, you can connect with insurers and tour operators," Gevorgyan said.
She noted that ecotourism and religious tourism have great potential.
"Many tourists don't know that Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. We will offer new products and develop those already in demand," Gevorgyan said.
She emphasized the importance of Armenia's representation at various international forums.
"The importance of domestic tourism must also be taken into account. We are talking about developing infrastructure through a government program in the regions, grant programs for tourism education, and systematizing information (digitizing data) on all tour operators. The Tourism Committee will provide certificates. A rating system will be launched," Gevorgyan said.
As part of the strategy, she said, guides will be encouraged to show not only churches but also the beauty of nature, organize tastings of local dishes, and much more.
"This will help keep tourists engaged," Gevorgyan said.
In January, the Armenian government approved the Strategic Tourism Development Program for 2026–2030 to comprehensively address the industry's problems and coordinate existing reforms, including legislative ones. The document also addresses practical issues, such as upgrading roads to tourist sites, improving cleanliness, developing tourist infrastructure (including restrooms), and improving service quality. If successfully implemented, by 2030 the program aims to increase the number of international tourist visits to 3 million and domestic visits to 4.5 million, increase tourist spending to $3.8 billion, and create an additional 20,000 jobs. The strategy highlights key areas (cultural, gastronomic, and adventure) and envisages the development of agro-, MICE, religious, medical, and health tourism. In 2025, 2,263,642 tourists visited Armenia (up 2.5% year-on-year).
