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Susanna Shahnazaryan

Greed, Incompetence, Hinder Tourism Development

I read in the papers that President Sargsyan met with Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on July 5. I'd like to inform our president of a disquieting fact or two in this regard.

President Sargsyan is quoted to have said that "tourism is one of the priorities of Armenian economy," adding that "although our country registers about 20% growth in the field every year, there is still a great potential, which should be used."

As someone who resides outside of Yerevan, in the very regions that are supposed to serve as a fertile field for the developmental of tourism in Armenia, I would find the president's remarks encouraging if not for the facts on the ground.

Take the Tatev aerial tramway. Tourists, who had arrived at the site from overseas, complained to me about having to wait for hours under a scorching sun for a chance to ride the cable car. Believe it or not, there are no shelters to be found in the area, let alone benches.

Even more mind boggling is the fact that visitors wishing to see the Shaki Waterfalls, a unique natural site, must pay someone to turn on the water to get the full effect of the cascading torrent.

The person waiting to be paid greets unsuspecting visitors at the entrance to the road leading to the falls.

If you chose not to grease any palms then all you get is the "watered down" version.

Talk about developing tourism in Armenia...

It seems that some are just out to make a fast buck.

Comments (2)

rahageets
Right on haykUS. These MP's are mostly throwbacks to the stoneage when it comes to concepts dealing with architecture, culture and environmental pprotection. Do you have any photos of what is taking place at Haghartzin? I am sure if you sent them to Hetq they would be posted on the site. And to think that these govt officials,mostly belonging to the Republican Party, call themselves patriots.
haykUS
First of all, we need to protect our ancient monuments and not destroy them like we did with Haghartsin. No tourist would want to see bleached, polished ancient monastery. As we destroyed our Yerevan and demolished all historical buildings, not we are doing same thing with our ancient monuments, shame on our president and his corrupt-government. Look at the Chosrov reserve, someone actually wanted to build hotel and restaurant there and marzpet organized hunting company of rare Armenian Muflons and Bezoar Montanan Goats. Why look too far, almost all natural lakes in Ararat Valley are privatized by Muk (Parliament speaker) and other oligarchs. Look at Parz Lich, the parliament member who “bought” the unique lake put concrete wall in front of the unique lake instead of marsh vegetation and brought red sand from somewhere as well as power boats and other environment destroying machinery. Shame on our primitive quick-rich oligarchs who have gexaci mind and our corrupt-government that allowed our natural treasures and monuments to be sold or lend to nation-destroyers.

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