YEREVAN, MAY 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenia develops sports tourism. Although this type of tourism is relatively new in Armenia, already concrete services are being proposed.

Armenia’s Paragliding Federation creates opportunities to enjoy the country’s perfect nature through paragliding flight.

Armen Sargsyan, Chairman of the Paragliding Federation, told Armenpress that one of the main preconditions for the development of such type of sport is that the terrain must be mountainous. In this sense, Armenia is very favorable. Moreover, works are carried out with international-level pilots, specialists. They are invited to Armenia where they work and also teach the local partners. Armen Sargsyan said they are forming a team of local specialists to provide qualified services to tourists.

“We are taking huge steps so that Armenia will be considered as a paragliding country in various international platforms. Pilots, the ones who are engaged in this sport come to Armenia with great pleasure. There is no shortage of tourist groups. We have tourist groups who are well informed about paragliding flight in Armenia and arrive here for that purpose. There are groups who are being informed about the paragliding flight while in Armenia and visit us”, he said.

People arrive in Armenia for paragliding flight from different countries, such as the European countries, the US, Australia, New Zealand. Armen Sargsyan said recently there is an active flow from Dubai, foreigners working there arrive in Armenia. There is a big market in Russia, Russian citizens can arrive in Armenia with internal passports at any moment.

The prices of services vary depending on the duration of the flight. It can cost up to 100 USD. The flight places also vary, such as Yeghvard, Sevan, Aparan and etc.

“All places are very beautiful. It is possible to fly at all seasons. The flight places need to have better routes”, Sargsyan said, stating that active works are being done with local authorities.

In order to include this service in tourism packages works are being carried out also with tourism companies, as well as with taxi drivers who sometimes are able to better advertise tour packages. The specialists working with tourists are doing everything for them to leave Armenia with great impressions.

As for the state assistance, Armen Sargsyan said it would be better to provide insurance in the field of adventurism tourism.

“Foreign tourists need to check whether they are insured or not. It’s a bit of problem in Armenia since insurance companies face difficulties while working in the field. Actually, all the remaining issues can be solved, only it would be desirable to have a state opportunity to take measures aimed at developing this type of sport. It is a profitable activity, the invested money comes back”, Armen Sargsyan said.