DUSHANBE, July 10, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Some 155,000 foreign citizens have visited Tajikistan over the first six months of this year, Maliksho Nematov, head of the Committee for Youth, Sports and Tourism Affairs, told reporters in Dushanbe on July 9.

“Of them, some 60,000 visited our country under tourist visa,” Nematov said, noting that up to 450,000 foreign citizens were visiting Tajikistan annually before the global financial and economic crisis.  “Last year, only 250,000 foreign nationals visited Tajikistan,” he added.

He stressed that average foreign tourist spent at least 500.00 U.S. dollars in Tajikistan.  “If 200,000 foreign citizens leave at least $500 each, the country will receive up to 100 million U.S. dollars per year,” said Nematov.  “It would be a good help for national economy.”

According to him, 75 local tourist companies now operate in the country.