President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian today met with the heads of a group of travel agencies.

Stating that this was his second enlarged meeting with representatives of the tourism sector, President Sarkissian offered to hold a more practical meeting and consider the opportunities for support of the presidential institution.

The representatives of the tourism sector presented several issues and particularly touched upon the possible steps aimed at restoring the sector, which is prospective for Armenia and has great potential.

President Sarkissian said information about the situation and the country and specific sectors is very important and added that the situation would be clearer, if travel agencies had their representations abroad and received first-hand information.

President Sarkissian not only considered the foreign market a necessity, but also said it’s important to focus on the local market in Armenia and added that travel agencies should help make incoming tourism grow. “I have been visiting Armenia’s provinces for the past two weeks and have been interacting with people, and I have noticed that people have started thinking about the development of tourism,” he said.

Talking about the support from the presidential institution, President Sarkissian particularly offered to set up task force and clearly state the main directions for support. “The presidential institution can help Armenian travel agencies participate in international exhibitions. People need to know about Armenia and what they can expect from a visit to the country,” he said. He also touched upon several presidential programs in Armenia and international events that will also contribute to the growth of tourism and help make Armenia recognizable, including the Advanced Tomorrow (ATOM) Program, STARMUS and Armenian Park.

“The presidential institution is ready to collaborate and support travel agencies in Armenia. We’re ready to be your partner so that Armenia takes action and has a general marketing plan. It’s also important for travel agencies to think about the simple ideas and slogans that describe Armenia. You know this best since you interact with foreigners and know what impresses them and stays in their memories after they leave Armenia,” Sarkissian said to the representatives of the tourism sector.