OREANDA-NEWS. July 11, 2011. President Serzh Sargsyan received the Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Taleb Rifai.

Welcoming the guest, the President noted that he values the role and importance of the World Tourism Organization as the major global forum for the issues related to tourism policy and tourism activities. According to Serzh Sargsyan, it is obvious that the tourism industry gains more and more significance not only in the global economy but also in addressing social issues, in the areas of culture and politics. He also noted tourism has become a priority area of the Armenian economy and even though the industry registers 20 percent annual growth and a little more in the sector of domestic tourism, tourism still has great potential in Armenia which should be fully utilized.

“Quite naturally, in Armenia we attach importance to the development of tourism and we are glad that joined the UNWTO fifteen years ago and have excellent prospects for cooperation,” said the President of Armenia and expressed confidence that the visit of the Secretary General of UNWTO will become a new impetus to further that cooperation.

At the meeting with Taleb Rifai, the President of Armenia was handed the open letter of the UNWTO and World Travel and Tourism Council. The Secretary General of UNWTO said that similar letters have been handed to the leaders of various states who make a note and acknowledge the economic, social and political significance of the tourism industry.