Government’s ‘irresponsible environmental policy” may avert tourists from Armenia
19.07.2013,
16:21
YEREVAN, July 19. / ARKA /. Movses Manukian from Healthy Hrazdan initiative group called on the Armenian government today urging it to stop what it called ‘irresponsible environmental policy,” which may deprive the country of tourists.
YEREVAN, July 19. / ARKA /. Movses Manukian fr om Healthy Hrazdan initiative group called on the Armenian government today urging it to stop what it called ‘irresponsible environmental policy,” which may deprive the country of tourists.
"The Armenian government has prioritized tourism and the mining industry, but they are two mutually exclusive sectors,” said Manukian to reporters on Friday.
According to him, many tourists choose Armenia because of its still clean air and water. He said if tourists wishing to visit Armenia learn that next to the most important tourist centers iron, gold and other mineral resources mines are being developed, they will think twice before deciding to come here.
He said he did not want to diminish the role of the mining industry, adding that the government has to develop, with the participation of scientists, a clear concept that separates the tourist and mining zones.
"Look at the town of Hrazdan, wh ere we have ‘the lungs of our country "- Hankavan, Aghveran and Tsahkadzor resorts - the government has issued about two dozen licenses to explore and develop mines there," said Manukian.
In June, Armenia was ranked as one of the top ten most attractive countries to visit in 2013 by Globe Spots. Armenia was put in the category of countries with "adventures for those who go up and down in search of the best possible travel."
According to the National Statistical Service, in January-March 2013 some 128,237 tourists visited the country, an increase of 23 percent from the year before. During the same time span some 137,128 Armenian citizens visited other countries as tourists, by 14.2% more from the year before. -0-
"The Armenian government has prioritized tourism and the mining industry, but they are two mutually exclusive sectors,” said Manukian to reporters on Friday.
According to him, many tourists choose Armenia because of its still clean air and water. He said if tourists wishing to visit Armenia learn that next to the most important tourist centers iron, gold and other mineral resources mines are being developed, they will think twice before deciding to come here.
He said he did not want to diminish the role of the mining industry, adding that the government has to develop, with the participation of scientists, a clear concept that separates the tourist and mining zones.
"Look at the town of Hrazdan, wh ere we have ‘the lungs of our country "- Hankavan, Aghveran and Tsahkadzor resorts - the government has issued about two dozen licenses to explore and develop mines there," said Manukian.
In June, Armenia was ranked as one of the top ten most attractive countries to visit in 2013 by Globe Spots. Armenia was put in the category of countries with "adventures for those who go up and down in search of the best possible travel."
According to the National Statistical Service, in January-March 2013 some 128,237 tourists visited the country, an increase of 23 percent from the year before. During the same time span some 137,128 Armenian citizens visited other countries as tourists, by 14.2% more from the year before. -0-
