The tourism sector in the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic has seen a 40% growth in comparison with last year, according a tourism official.

Speaking to Tert.am, the head of the NKR Government’s Tourism Department, Sergey Shahverdyan, said such progress is very important and encouraging for the country.
 

“In comparison with these months of last year, tourism can be said to have grown by 40% in Artsakh,” he said, adding that the trend is likely to continue.

Asked what tempts tourists into visiting Artsakh, he said they most of all praise the local population’s hospitality.

“People remain content with the local residents’ treatment and say they are very affable to them,” he noted.

As for the most popular tourist attractions, Shahverdyan said that the guests commonly prefer to visit the Gandzasar Monastery, the ancient capital Tigranakert (which was excavated recently), the Aras valley and other historical sites.
 

According to him, the country now has 33 places of rest, including hotel complexes and tourist cottages.