YEREVAN, APRIL 11, NOYAN TAPAN. A one-month study on travel interests of American Armenians was conducted in 5 US states in January 2007 on the initiative of the Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) and the USAID Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS) Program. The results of the study were presented on April 11 during the two-day conference on problems of competitiveness of Armenian tourism. CAPS expert on competitiveness issues Alan Safferi said that the purpose of the study was to determine the extent of American Armenians' awareness of the opportunities of Armenian tourism, as well as their travel interests. The study shows that 52% of those surveyed want to visit (or re-visit) Armenia. 42% of them intend to travel with the help of an Armenian tour operator. The number of American Armenians who intend to stay in a hotel is twice as many as the number of those who prefer to stay in home of friends or relatives. According to the study, the Internet, Armenian television channels, the Armenian church, and events organized by the community were the most efficient means for American Armenians to be informed about travel opportunities in Armenia. 35% of American Armenians regularly read an Armenian newspaper, while 37% watch at least three Armenian television channels. Only 22% of American Armenians visit a website on Armenia monthly, even though 79% of the total number use the Internet.

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