TOURINFO-December 25, 2023-In a session on December 22, 2023, the Armenian National Assembly ushered in a new era for the nation’s tourism sector by officially approving a groundbreaking Tourism policy during the second reading. This legislative triumph marks a pivotal turning point, introducing transformative changes aimed at fostering growth, safeguarding consumer rights, and aligning with rigorous international standards.

Key Highlights of the Tourism Policy Adoption:

1. Mandating Notification Obligations: The policy mandates notification obligations for tourism service providers, fostering a transparent framework that enhances communication and accountability within the industry.
2. Defining Stringent Requirements for Service Providers: An essential facet of the legislation is the establishment of stringent requirements for individuals and entities providing tourism services. This move aims to elevate overall quality and professionalism within the sector.
3. Qualification Mechanisms Aligned with Global Standards: The introduction of qualification mechanisms aligned with international standards reflects Armenia’s commitment to ensuring its tourism offerings meet and exceed global benchmarks. This initiative is expected to enhance the country’s competitiveness on the international stage.
4. Protecting Consumer Rights and Promoting Development: The policy places a strong emphasis on consumer protection, imposing guaranteed requirements to safeguard the rights of tourists. This measure seeks to instill confidence in travelers and cultivate a positive perception of Armenia as a premier tourism destination. Additionally, the legislation emphasizes promoting the protection of consumer rights, specifying demands for entities involved in tourism services, and ensuring proportional development of economic and human resources across communities.

Collaborative Efforts and Support: The comprehensive legislative package was meticulously developed with significant support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and close collaboration with private sector representatives. This partnership underscores a commitment to a holistic and inclusive approach to shaping the future of Armenia’s tourism landscape.

Regulating the Sphere of Tourism: Armenia’s Minister of Economy, Vahan Kerobyan, highlighted the significance of this legislative initiative, designed to comprehensively regulate the foundations of state policy in the tourism sphere. The existing law on Tourism and Touristic Activity, dating back to 2003, will undergo a significant overhaul to address current challenges and leverage emerging opportunities.

Quality Standards and International Compliance: The legislation places a strong emphasis on ensuring the quality of tourism services. Specific provisions include establishing control mechanisms, criteria for service providers, and introducing a passenger transport qualitative system for tourist buses, aligning with stringent international standards.

Looking to the Future: Minister Vahan Kerobyan expressed confidence that the adoption of the draft law will significantly elevate the quality of services in the tourism sector. The legislative package, reflecting consensus and carefully considering stakeholder input, is poised to be a key driver in shaping the sector’s development over the next 5-10 years.

In Conclusion: Armenia’s unwavering commitment to advancing its tourism sector through robust legislation and international collaboration heralds a new era for the nation as a vibrant and responsible destination. The groundwork laid by this legislative milestone sets the stage for a flourishing tourism industry that prioritizes quality, consumer protection, and sustainable growth, positioning Armenia on the global map as a leading destination for conscientious travelers.

TOURINFO-JUANITA MOURADIAN