OREANDA-NEWS  On 18 November was announced, that eighth annual "Country of talking stones" CTS'2008 international tourism exhibition took place in Yerevan.

The organizers of CTS were: RA Ministry of Economy, the Armenian Union of Travel Agents and the Armenian Representation of the American Society of Travel Agents, with assistance of USA ID/ CAPS (United State Agency for International Development/ Competitive Armenian Private Sector).

Representatives from more than 64 companies were present at the exhibition this year: 13 travel agencies and tour operators, an Aviation Company, 17 hotel complexes and rest homes, 2 insurance companies, 13 state institutions and NGOs, 3 travel publications, an information agency, 3 educational institutions, 8 restaurants etc. Armenian provinces - Kotayk, Shirak and Vayots Dzor were represented in separate pavilions, as well as the representatives form Karabakh, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Turkey.

The main goals of the event were: promotion of incoming and regional tourism, informing the potential local and international tourists, stakeholders about the development tendencies in tourism, organization of forum for all the interested parties.

Nerses Yeritsyan, RA Мinister of Economy made an opening speech. He said:" There is a real progress in this sphere- not only the geography of the participants expands, but also the assortment and quality of products increase. The Government consider this sphere as a field, where the real results and wins can be achieved in short period of time . First of all this sphere promotes the opportunity for achievement of high class services, and also to present Armenia to the world through tourism packages. The advanced progress of tourism is interconnected with improvement of living standards. Once we learn how to provide high class services to  tourists, we will learn how to keep our environment clean. This field can influence on the living standards, productivity, and incomes in regions within the territory of RA very fast. That is why Armenian Government put the conceptual mentality for future 20-30 years and developed the five-year program of events, which became key priorities of the agenda of National Competitiveness Board".

Nerses Yeritsyan assured once more, that the Government will improve the infrastructures in the tourism sphere, will provide easy access for sightseeing and historical-cultural places, and support the creativity. "Creativity should predominate in Armenia to make possible the development of high class and qualified tourism in the country. The government must provide legislation and establish rules, as well as settle special criteria for services. To spread the products and ideas all over the world Government must envisage private sector more aggressively. And today is a right time to reconsider the state role and assistance in this field", - said Mr. Minister.