STEPANAKERT. – More than 3,000 foreign citizens visited Karabakh in the first half of 2011, which is 49% more as compared to the same period of 2010, Consular Service of Nagorno-Karabakh MFA reports.

Despite Azerbaijani authorities put obstacles and declare foreign nationals visiting Nagorno-Karabakh “persona non grata”, the interest in visiting the country grows. The overall influx of tourists rose by 45% in the first half of 2011 as compared to the same period last year.

Citizens from the U.S., France, Iran, Great Britain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, Italy, Poland, Russia and other CIS countries visit Karabakh. A flow of tourists from Japan, China, Singapore, Brazil, Venezuela, Israel, New Zealand, India, Cote d’Ivoire and other countries has also been recorded recently.

Ancient historical monuments, magnificent nature, picturesque canyons, minerals and hot springs, as well as Karabakh people’s hospitality and local cuisine attract tourists. Guests visit Gandzasar monastery complex (XIII century), Amaras (IV century), Dadivank (IV century), an area of excavations in Tigranakert ancient city, Azokh cave, Nikola Duman museum, as well as many ancient Armenian fortresses.

The operation of Stepanakert airport will significantly contribute to developments of tourism in Nagorno-Karabakh