Tourism sector is in lockout but it is possible to save it: Mekhak Apresyan

The tourism sector has appeared in lockout but it is possible to restore it, chairman of the Armenian Federation of Tourism Mekhak Apresyan told the reporters today, adding that for it institutional reforms, development programs must be carried out.

Apresyan said that it is not only possible to save the sector but it is necessary to do it.

Referring to the bill on making licensing an obligatory condition for many kinds of tourism activity, Apresyan said that previously as well discussions and opinions were voiced that licensing may result in restrictions in the tourism sector.

“But the time has already come as the licensing is not an end in itself,” Apresyan said.

He said before the revolution, during the discussions with the government it was clear that the private companies will be against the licensing but now it is better to think of doing good to the sector and adding burden for the private companies.

“This “burden” is a rescue for the competitive environment of the tourism sector and an important condition for ensuring stable development of the sector,” he said, expressing hope that in near future it will take place and the rescue process will start.

He said the shadows in the sector will be brought to minimum and interesting tax-budget mechanisms will be applied.