YEREVAN. – The Armenian government on Thursday confirmed the program of supporting tourism in 2014.

Economy Minister Vahram Avanesyan said the program’s aim is to ensure the growth of tourist flows by 10 percent, in particular with the help of traditional festivals, such as traditional wine festival, participation in international tourism fairs and other events.

“The private sector must be encouraged to increase the number of hotel rooms,” Avanesyan added.

The government will allocate AMD 75 million from the state budget to promote tourism in Armenia.

According to the statistics, in January - September 2013 around 678,000 tourists visited Armenia, a 12.4-percent growth as compared with the previous year.