Dissing Armenia In A Tourism Article?

[Dave]

I wouldn't consider this a tourism advertisement for Armenia. In fact, it's the complete opposite if you understand the author's sarcastic style in the beginning and the end of the article.

 

Boutique Hotels Arrive in Armenia: Will Tourists Follow?

 

By JENNIFER CONLIN

Published: February 4, 2007

If you’re thinking of spending your next vacation in Armenia — and, really, who isn’t? — you’ll be happy to know that this former Soviet republic now has its first boutique hotel chain. This may be a sign that Armenia is truly “in,” or that boutique hotels are officially “out.”

 

The owners of the Tufenkian Heritage Hotels (www.tufenkianheritage.com) are hoping their three new properties will lure tourists to Armenia’s mountainous countryside, set between the Black and Caspian Seas. Each hotel features Tufenkian carpets, handmade by Armenian weavers, as well as local cuisine.

 

At Avan Dzoraget, a 34-room hotel in Lori (on the main road to Tbilisi), there is an indoor pool, a spa and a gym. At Avan Marak Tsapatagh, on Lake Sevan — a popular lakeside resort town with outdoor sports — the lodge is completely constructed of Armenian stone. Avan Villa, a 14-room hotel 10 minutes from the city of Yerevan, however, sounds the most stylish, with Frette linens and rooms with traditional Armenian fireplaces — the kind used to make lavash bread. But the Web site description also proudly mentions that all Villa rooms have “hot and cold water 24 hours a day” — normally not a big selling point for the average boutique hotel.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/travel/04transarmenia.html

[Sip]

But unless you are Armenian, or of some Armenian origin, why would you consider Armenia as a vacation spot? Actually, as far as I am concerned (I'm in the US), why would anyone consider any of those places between western Europe and china as "vacation" spots?

[nairi]

But unless you are Armenian, or of some Armenian origin, why would you consider Armenia as a vacation spot? Actually, as far as I am concerned (I'm in the US), why would anyone consider any of those places between western Europe and china as "vacation" spots?

 

The more educated tourist would. Unless Armenia starts throwing rave parties in remote churches, it's indeed not going to attract as many tourists as Ibiza does. On the other hand, Armenia does have the potential to attract the jet set.

[SanVal]

History buffs would consider going to Armenia, although backpackers (who are a huge chunk of tourists) certainly wouldn't. They don't refer to it as an "open air museum" for nothing.

[neko]

History buffs would consider going to Armenia, although backpackers (who are a huge chunk of tourists) certainly wouldn't. They don't refer to it as an "open air museum" for nothing.

 

"History buffs" generally do not travel to Armenia: there are too many other destinations around that would be of more interest to them.

"Backpackers" (as you call them) or "independent travellers" (as the tourist industry calls them) tend to avoid Armenia for five main reasons.

 

1/ It is expensive to get to.

 

2/ Because of closed borders it is a cul-de-sac for travel: generally you have to leave by the same route as you arrived.

 

3/ Armenian hotels all have extortionately high prices compared to neighbouring countries.

 

4/ Outside of Yerevan, there are very few hotels.

 

5/ Armenian visas are completely overpriced and highly restrictive compared to neighbouring countries (eg. Georgia is free; Turkey is only $15, is multiple entry, and lasts for 3 months).

 

Independent travellers generally contribute the most to a country's economy: they stay longer, they stay in smaller and locally-owned hotels, they use public transport, they take a more active interest in the country and attempt to engage with the local population, etc. Other tourists, including those from the Armenian diaspora, tend to stay in expensive foreign-owned hotels or with relatives, and pay for their holidays using travel agents in their home countries.

Edited February 3, 2007 by neko

[Dave]

Sip, I know that Armenia isn't a popular destination among Americans. This author didn't need to make fun of that, and of all the effort done to improve Armenia's tourism (CNN commercials, etc.). Edited February 3, 2007 by Dave

[Armenak]

Conlin is the type of tourist who will be treated with contempt or scorn no matter where she goes. The type that expects every person in a foreign country to speak English and to cater to her every need.

 

The coolest idea was for the Terjan Hotel, where they attempted to make the hotel look like a house or building in a traditional Western Armenian village. It looks nice, but I don't know how faithful they were to architecture/history.

[hosank]

actually, if any of you have been there recently, you would be quite surprised at the diversity of tourists going to armenia these days.

 

i saw, swiss, french, blond blue eyed redneck americans, russians, persians and so on. i even got the chance to chat with a lost frenchcanadian.

 

the point being is that these days, the big thing is becoming danger tourism. you know, going to explore remote areas and to live among poorish peoples. it's actually the biggest tourism industry in brazil, where people go on organised tours of the ghettos and so on.

 

obviously i am not comparing armenia to a ghetto, but you must realise that the ex-soviet is becoming popular among westerners. i mean, compared to the rest of europe, it is cheap and different and exiting. then of course, you have people who simply want to see armenia's unique culture...

 

at the fall of communism in europe in 89, many young, wealthy western europeans would go backpacking through countries like czech, poland, hungary and so on. this trend is now moving eastwards, to ukraine, and of course russia, and now armenia.

 

a 3 month visa for armenia is 30 dollars in the plane, a whole 15 dollars more then turkey...i think that if you have enough money to go on such trips, you have enough money to pay 15 dollars more. Georgia may be free, but the country is a mess. armenia, is the most stable country in the region, even war-zone karabakh would be safer then georia or azerbaijan.

 

armenian hotels are not expensive. obviously, there are hotels that offer western standards, but if you are backpacking, there is no need for those anyways.

 

and history buffs DO travel to armenia. i mean, it's a heaven for these people...5000 years of history.

 

but of course, the large majority of tourists are armenians

[Armenak]

Well just because Jennifer Conlin was taking cheap shots at a former Soviet republic in its 15th year of independence being blockaded on two sides doesn't mean that there is no tourism.

 

My brother saw a very large group of Italian tourists, seemingly enjoying themselves, despite being unable to speak any Armenian, English or Russian.

[phantom22]

This writer is an absolute CRETIN. She didn't study the recent history of Armenia. She knows nothing about how difficult the situation has been with the Turks and Azeris trying to bury Armenia. When I was there we only had hot water for one hour a day and I was staying in the top hotel in Armenia. There is a phrase to describe women like that in the West. I was married to one (an Armenian one). The phrase to describe this Jennifer Conlin is PRIMA DONNA.

 

I wouldn't consider this a tourism advertisement for Armenia. In fact, it's the complete opposite if you understand the author's sarcastic style in the beginning and the end of the article.

 

Boutique Hotels Arrive in Armenia: Will Tourists Follow?

 

By JENNIFER CONLIN

Published: February 4, 2007

If you’re thinking of spending your next vacation in Armenia — and, really, who isn’t? — you’ll be happy to know that this former Soviet republic now has its first boutique hotel chain. This may be a sign that Armenia is truly “in,” or that boutique hotels are officially “out.”

 

The owners of the Tufenkian Heritage Hotels (www.tufenkianheritage.com) are hoping their three new properties will lure tourists to Armenia’s mountainous countryside, set between the Black and Caspian Seas. Each hotel features Tufenkian carpets, handmade by Armenian weavers, as well as local cuisine.

 

At Avan Dzoraget, a 34-room hotel in Lori (on the main road to Tbilisi), there is an indoor pool, a spa and a gym. At Avan Marak Tsapatagh, on Lake Sevan — a popular lakeside resort town with outdoor sports — the lodge is completely constructed of Armenian stone. Avan Villa, a 14-room hotel 10 minutes from the city of Yerevan, however, sounds the most stylish, with Frette linens and rooms with traditional Armenian fireplaces — the kind used to make lavash bread. But the Web site description also proudly mentions that all Villa rooms have “hot and cold water 24 hours a day” — normally not a big selling point for the average boutique hotel.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/04/travel/04transarmenia.html

 

[gamavor]

Armenian tourism is in its infancy. While Diasporans, (being aware of the situation) will not brag and drag, the western tourist is another species. I don't think Armenia can ever become common and attractive destination for common folks.

 

If I was in charge of Armenian tourism, I would be very cautious about the way the country is advertised in the world tourist market, because if you lose a visitor due to false or inaccurate information it is for good.

 

Besides the Armenian Diaspora, Armenia could be attractive for Christian fundamentalists (we have the oldest churches in the world and a view to mount Ararat), eco and "down to earth" tourism, combined with the modernity of the capital - some people like sheer contrasts and last but not least - Tsaghgazor. Armenia really can offer good conditions for ski tourism. Lately some of the facilities at Tsaghgazor were renovated, but the renovation simply upgraded the existing facilities to the levels of the 80's. Much more investments are needed to really attract crazy skiers, and most of the time that would be poor or lower middle class westerners who will hope to get more for less.

 

[phantom22]

Christian fundamentalists? Haven't they made enough of a mess of the US, now yu want them to pollute Armenia?

Armenian tourism is in its infancy. While Diasporans, (being aware of the situation) will not brag and drag, the western tourist is another species. I don't think Armenia can ever become common and attractive destination for common folks.

 

If I was in charge of Armenian tourism, I would be very cautious about the way the country is advertised in the world tourist market, because if you lose a visitor due to false or inaccurate information it is for good.

 

Besides the Armenian Diaspora, Armenia could be attractive for Christian fundamentalists (we have the oldest churches in the world and a view to mount Ararat), eco and "down to earth" tourism, combined with the modernity of the capital - some people like sheer contrasts and last but not least - Tsaghgazor. Armenia really can offer good conditions for ski tourism. Lately some of the facilities at Tsaghgazor were renovated, but the renovation simply upgraded the existing facilities to the levels of the 80's. Much more investments are needed to really attract crazy skiers, and most of the time that would be poor or lower middle class westerners who will hope to get more for less.

 

[Zartonk]

There is a phrase to describe women like that in the West. I was married to one (an Armenian one). The phrase to describe this Jennifer Conlin is PRIMA DONNA.

 

Oh. I thought you meant KATS.

 

 

 

[phantom22]

Zartonk, please explain "KATS."

 

Oh. I thought you meant KATS.

 

[Dave]

I haven't had the chance to visit Armenia yet, but I always thought that most tourists were Armenians from the Diaspora. Times change I guess.

 

i even got the chance to chat with a lost frenchcanadian.

 

Great that you mentioned it... A few months ago, I read a proper tourism article about Armenia in a French-Canadian website, which was nothing like Conlin's text.

 

Anyway, here are some discussions in French between people who have been there and people who will go there in the summer of 2007.

 

http://voyageforum.com/voyage/cout_vie_en_armenie_D233274/

http://voyageforum.com/voyage/voyage_un_mo...e_2007_D795738/

[neko]

a 3 month visa for armenia is 30 dollars in the plane, a whole 15 dollars more then turkey...i think that if you have enough money to go on such trips, you have enough money to pay 15 dollars more.

 

False. The visa lasts for only 3 weeks. And it is only a single entry. Take a day trip into Georgia and return to Armenia - and that's another $25 to pay (plus another run-in with possibly corrupt customs officials). Turkey's $15 visa lasts for 3 months and is multiple entry: go from Turkey to one of the Greek Islands, or to Bulgaria, and then return and there is no extra cost.

 

Almost nobody except diaspora-Armenians go to Armenia as their sole destination. Almost all independent travellers woud wish to go there as part of a bigger travelling experience and will not fly there directly (unless it is short-haul from Turkey / Russia / Syria, etc). Armenia's restrictive and expensive tourist visas seriously discourages casual visits to Armenia. Visas give uncertainty and trepidation to potentual visitors - they are probably the biggest disincentive to entering a country (look at any message-board for travellers - the type of questions that always recur are about visas). In 2005, in NE Turkey, just after Georgia abolished its visa fee I happened to mentioned it on separate occassions to two people - both of them subsequently decided to visit Georgia for no other reason than it was now free to enter. Neither planned to visit Armenia because it still had a visa fee.

 

Georgia may be free, but the country is a mess. armenia, is the most stable country in the region, even war-zone karabakh would be safer then georia or azerbaijan.

 

Then why do most people who visit Georgia not continue on to Armenia?

 

armenian hotels are not expensive. obviously, there are hotels that offer western standards, but if you are backpacking, there is no need for those anyways.

 

Mid-range Armenian hotels are about 300% more expensive than the equivalent in neighbouring countries. There are NO inexpensive hotels anywhere in Armenia. $40 a day is not an inexpensive hotel, when in Turkey or Iran you can get a perfectly acceptable room for $15.

Edited February 4, 2007 by neko

[Aubépine]

But unless you are Armenian, or of some Armenian origin, why would you consider Armenia as a vacation spot? Actually, as far as I am concerned (I'm in the US), why would anyone consider any of those places between western Europe and china as "vacation" spots?

 

You can't be serious, can you?

 

Forget about such countries like India or Nepal. What about places like the Seychelles, Thailand or Australia?

[vava]

You can't be serious, can you?

 

Forget about such countries like India or Nepal....

 

Um... India has a huge tourism industry, and it's growing. 4 million visitors in 2006 (Source: Asian Times) at an annual groth rate of 13%.

Edited February 4, 2007 by vava

[Aubépine]

I meant in terms of living standards. I'm aware that India has a booming tourism sector. I wouldn't mind going there myself. Their TV ads are really catchy by the way.

[Zartonk]

Zartonk, please explain "KATS."

 

Let's just say a rude and less then flattering name to call the dear sex.

[gamavor]

Another factor that alures tourists is the changes in the country. They are so vivid and emotional that you can feel them everytime you visit the country. Like, Oh there was a tramstop here, or look there is a new metro station, or there was a shop on this corner, etc...

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sZbtH6GFmo

 

 

[Nazarian]

Nice footage for the Diaspora Armenians. It would have been better to use something other than the crappy music.

 

Was this a Kocharian election campaign video?

[Nazarian]

"History buffs" generally do not travel to Armenia: there are too many other destinations around that would be of more interest to them.

"Backpackers" (as you call them) or "independent travellers" (as the tourist industry calls them) tend to avoid Armenia for five main reasons.

 

1/ It is expensive to get to.

 

2/ Because of closed borders it is a cul-de-sac for travel: generally you have to leave by the same route as you arrived.

 

3/ Armenian hotels all have extortionately high prices compared to neighbouring countries.

 

4/ Outside of Yerevan, there are very few hotels.

 

5/ Armenian visas are completely overpriced and highly restrictive compared to neighbouring countries (eg. Georgia is free; Turkey is only $15, is multiple entry, and lasts for 3 months).

 

Independent travellers generally contribute the most to a country's economy: they stay longer, they stay in smaller and locally-owned hotels, they use public transport, they take a more active interest in the country and attempt to engage with the local population, etc. Other tourists, including those from the Armenian diaspora, tend to stay in expensive foreign-owned hotels or with relatives, and pay for their holidays using travel agents in their home countries.

 

Backpackers are not a desirable tourist demographics. They eat baked beans they have brought with them from their home country, and sleep on train station floors. They probably cost more to the host country.

[neko]

Backpackers are not a desirable tourist demographics. They eat baked beans they have brought with them from their home country, and sleep on train station floors. They probably cost more to the host country.

I think you are confusing eastern-European weirdos with normal people from the rest of the World. I remember a group of 4 Czechs I came across last year, occupying a 2nd class Turkish train compartment, clothes scattered everywhere, a pot on their gas stove busy bubbling away on the middle of the floor. The cost of their German-made prepacked meal, their Czech-made lemonade, and the gas probably cost more than a meal in the dining car.

Edited February 9, 2007 by neko

[Nazarian]

Zartonk, please explain "KATS."

 

It's pronounced as cutz or kahtz. It means a bitch - used for female dogs or women with unpleasant personalities.