Armenia’s tourism sector faces sharp decline in 2026

Armenia recorded a significant decline in tourist arrivals during the first eight months of 2026, with the number of visitors falling by more than 266,000 year-on-year.

Data from Armenia’s Tourism Committee show that 1,47 million tourists visited the country in January–August, compared with 1,73 million during the same period in 2025. This represents a decrease of 266,941 visitors, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

The downward trend continued in August, when Armenia welcomed 227,026 tourists, compared with 334,396 in August 2025.

Russia remained the largest source of tourist arrivals, accounting for 40% of the total. Georgia followed with 14%, while Iran accounted for 8%, according to the Tourism Committee.

Air travel remained the primary means of entry, with 60% of tourists arriving through Zvartnots and Shirak international airports.

Among land border crossings, the Bagratashen checkpoint accounted for the largest share of tourist arrivals at 20%. The Ayrum checkpoint recorded the smallest share, at 1%.

By Vafa Guliyeva