  Taleb Rifai: tourism industry may help solve serious problems  July 5, 2011 - 15:24 AMTPanARMENIAN.Net - UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General, Taleb Rifai, accompanied by Executive Director for Member Relations and Services Zoltan Somogyi, is in Armenia on an official visit for the first time. To research tourism development opportunities in the South Caucasus, the UNWTO specialists will also visit neighboring Georgia. Mr. Rifai believes that the region’s population realizes the privileges of open borders in the context of tourism development, with the possibility to travel from Armenia to Turkey, from Turkey to Azerbaijan. “Tourism industry may be used as a tool for solution of serious problems,” the Secretary General said, adding that he is well aware of problems Armenia has with its neighbors, as “we do not live on Mars and do not overestimate existing opportunities.” Commenting on the international experience in this issue, Mr. Rifai referred to the example of Balkans, saying that, fortunately, now there is no need to pass round Serbia to get to Croatia. Besides, the UNWTO Secretary General being native Jordanian had personal experience of such conflict, when they could not cross the river Jordan to get to Israel. Mr. Rifai will stay in Armenia till July 6. He already met with the country’s President, Prime Minister, visited a range of sightseeing, and meetings with Armenian tourism industry representatives are planned for the next two days.  7 05.07.11 - Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai signs a contract with RA Minister of Economy Tigran Davtyan          Partner news  Top stories Zvartnots airport will host a press conference on May 24 on the operation of Tel Aviv-Yerevan- Tel Aviv flights. “The increase for energy tariffs is prompted by a price hike for gas used in production,” Garegin Baghramyan said. Earlier, ArmRosgazprom CJSC addressed Armenia’s Public Services Regulatory Commission with an offer to reconsider natural gas prices. Finance Minister linked the step with the collection of air taxes. He further noted that lawsuits were filed by other lenders, too.   Partner news |  Latest news Iran denies it has forces supporting Assad in Syria  "The true enemies of Syria make up these accusations to provoke the people of this country," Abbas Araqchi said.Deputy PM says Russian shipbuilding program at risk “We are planning to sink, and have already sunk big money into shipbuilding but I can’t see any payoff yet,” Rogozin said.ANC of New York screens “Orphans of the Genocide” “The ANC of New York is pleased to work with Mr. Maronian to spread awareness of this significant film,” Markarian said.Obama defends drone strikes as counterterrorism measure The U.S. president's remarks came as he sought to move America beyond the war effort of the past dozen years. |
