Friday, 19 October 2012
Meeting With UN World Tourism Organization Secretary-General
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan met with UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary-General Talib Rifa who is in Armenia to attend a two-day international conference entitled “Human values and cultural diversity in the 21st century: the importance of tourism,” due in Yerevan on October 18 -19.
Thankful for reception, Mr. Rifa said to be pleased with the proceedings of the forum The UNWTO Secretary-General said he was impressed by the progress of our country’s tourism sector. He stressed that the importance of the Yerevan Declaration on intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity, which encourages the development of tourism and respect for human values.
The parties went on to discuss the prospects of Armenia’s inbound tourism.
Tigran Sargsyan said that despite the stated sustainable 5% rise in incoming tourism, the government will keep on developing tourism in Armenia. In this context, he stressed the need for promoting a favorable environment for the development of mass tourism, building local capacity, encouraging investments in the field of hotel construction, engineering an affordable hotel network, as well as introducing best international practices and establishing relations with the leading countries.
The UNWTO Secretary-General expressed willingness to assist the Government with the implementation of these tasks.
