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BEGGARS "ATTACK" TOURISTS AT EVERY STEP

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As soon as tourists visit Armenian sights they “are attacked.” Arayik Vardanyan, the Chairman of the Tour Operators’ Union, states that beggars’ behavior greatly affects tourism in Armenia. In mere disappointment tourists give up the idea of visiting Armenian in the future.

“Cadging is well-organised in Armenia. Beggars work in groups and don’t leave tourists alone unless they are given some money,” Arayik Vardanyan told A1+.

Mekhak Apresyan, the head of the RA Ministry of Economy and Trade Tourism Department, is also concerned with beggars’ number.

“This is a delicate matter and needs thorough consideration. We cannot simply drive beggars away,” Mekhak Apresyan told A1+.

Tour-operators state that tourists are discontent with poor-quality services and anti-sanitarian conditions of toilets.

“Obviously, employees aren't explained their duties, therefore we have low-quality services in Armenia, Mr Vardanyan said.

The service quality is determined by an employee’s relevant education. Each institute of higher education has a tourism department but the methods of teaching are far from being perfect, Arayik Vardanyan said.

It is noteworthy that despite all the above-mentioned problems related to tourism, the number of tourists to Armenia keeps increasing. Last year over 382 thousand tourists visited the country. According to statistics, most of them are Diaspora representatives or people of Armenian descent.