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A large number of Iranian tourists is expected to arrive in Armenia in text few days as Iranians celebrate Nowruz, Persian New Year, on March 21, Zarmine Zeytuntsyan, Chairperson of the State Committee for Tourism of Armenia's Ministry of Economic Development and Investments, told reporters on Saturday.

She says steps are being taken to make Armenia more attractive for Iranian tourists. “The State Committee for Tourism organized events in four Iranian cities last year, while six Armenian tour operators took part in the Iranian tourism exhibition in December, introducing Armenia’s tourism opportunities,” she said. “In other words, we are constantly working to present Armenia’s tourist attractions.”

Ms Zeytuntsyan says this year as well Iranian tourists will be provided with tourism flyers and brochures at the Armenia-Iran border checkpoint.

“Moreover, Armenia will operate a hotline around the clock during the whole period of Nowruz. An agreement has been reached with the Health Ministry and Police to intensify the activities of road police officers and ambulance for the Iranian tourists visiting Armenia. Thus, we will ensure a safe trip for them starting from the border,” said the tourism official.

She also added Nowruz celebration and informative posters will be installed in different parts of Armenia.

According to Ms Zeytuntsyan, Armenia welcomed a total of 220,000 Iranian tourists last year, up by 16 percent from 2016. “We cannot say yet how many tourists will visit Armenia, but the number of Iranian tourists visiting Armenia keeps growing year by year. The frequency of direct flights from Tehran has also increased this year, a move that will further boost tourism,” she said.