EXPERT URGES ARMENIA TO BOOST INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR DYNAMIC TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

ARKA
June 23, 2009

YEREVAN, June 23. /ARKA/. Armenia’s tour operators need to foster
ties with international partners in order to achieve dynamic tourism
development, said Robert Minasyan, president of the Union of Incoming
Tour Operators of Armenia (UITO).

"Amid the crisis, our tour operators should bolster cooperation with
their offshore colleagues," he added.

Pointing out Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Japan and China as
Armenia’s chief donors, he said the countries annually send millions
of tourists abroad.

Citing Turkey’s example, Minasyan said "the country is prospering
thanks to its tourism business."

He believes the crisis will have little impact on the country’s
tourism if local tour operators work properly, delivering high-quality
services.

Composed of 17 legal entities, UITO protects the rights of tour
operators and influences tourism legislation to boost tourism industry
in Armenia.