Rifai surprised by Armenian President emphasis on tourism development July 5, 2011 - 16:31 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General, Taleb Rifai acknowledged that he met total understanding on the part of Armenian authorities in the issue of tourism industry development both in Armenia and all over the globe. “Whenever meeting with a country leader, I, as a rule, have to explain importance of tourism development, and I was surprised to hear Serzh Sargsyan himself telling me that this field is a priority for Armenia and that the country’s authorities consider its development vital,” Rifai said on July 5 in Yerevan. He highly praised readiness of Armenian officials to cooperate in this direction, stressing that, “private sector will not be able to make progress without this support.” According to UNWTO leader, today the world tourism industry grows providing $1 trln. turnover and 1 mln. job opportunities annually, though its development in the 21st century was impeded by terror acts (Sept. 11 in U.S.), tsunami and earthquakes. This industry makes 5% from world GDP and 30% in total services and trade. As Mr.Rifai noted, today’s tourist is educated and literate, and he commands IT latest achievements, that lets him arrange his tourist package on-line. He also emphasized the challenges tourism industry faces, namely, not to break biodiversity alongside with development and not to increase wastes. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |