Government’s ‘irresponsible Environmental Policy" May Avert Tourists

GOVERNMENT’S ‘IRRESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY” MAY AVERT TOURISTS FROM ARMENIA

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-

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress