Armenia opened their borders for tourists from ALL countries — but should you go?
The Republic of Armenia has opened their country for tourism from every country in the world — including neighboring aggressors Turkey & Azerbaijan.
… But this raises the question — should you go now?
Armenia is a developing nation in the Caucasus region and touts their pride for their mountains, lush forests, and a rising eco-tourism scene packed with some of the finest wineries that rival France. The country has the fastest growing GDP in the region and is known as the “Silicon Valley of the Eurasia” — for they hosted the World Congress of Information Technology (WCIT) just last October. Yerevan, the capital city, is one of the world’s oldest cities and is redefining itself as a fascinating tourist destination.
In the midst of the global pandemic, Armenia opened their borders to the world and welcome sustainable tourism back to the country with a mandatory quarantine or shortened with negative COVID-19 test. They have promoted that they will provide results for tourists within 6 hours and it sounded so promising. At first hearing this, I peaked my head up in my bedroom looking for my suitcase considering getting on the next flight to Armenia — but then I realized that I shouldn’t.
I’m an Armenian-Greek American who has traveled to over 30 countries in the past two years and embrace traveling as a way to unlock the soul & widen perspectives. My experience with Armenia is unbiased regardless of my heritage.
In short, it’s not the time to travel to Armenia. I work with many high-level government officials as an Entrepreneur including the President, Dr. Armen Sarkissian — but this decision to open the country isn’t in the favor of public health.
It’s imperative to understand that Armenia has the 12th Most Cases Per Capita of COVID-19 in the world and the Public Health System is already at risk of collapsing— according to Health Minister Arsen Torosyan. There’s been a public health crisis and a sentiment reflected among the younger generation of Armenians against wearing masks, social distancing and many worry, like in the United States, that an Anti-Vax movement could lessen the chance of herd immunity against the virus.
I’m not questioning the legitimacy of the “Tourism Armenia” organization and their dedication to testing the tourists that arrive — but I’m questioning why the focus is on tourists rather their their own citizens. The discussion needs to be centered around containment and country-wide testing in rural villages that can’t by nature social distance.
I’ve connected with many young professionals living in Armenia and the consensus is clear — there is a wild disconnect between the actions of the government and what is happening in the country. I’m an Entrepreneur and Small Business Advocate that has worked on the front lines of helping small businesses directly during the pandemic, so I understand the desire to invigorate your restaurants with people and the stress this is causing.
Reopening the economy is imperative, but signaling to the Diaspora and the worldwide tourists that Armenia is open for business is sending the wrong complacent message.
Trust me, if it were safe I would be on the first flight to Yerevan and by nightfall I would be enjoying a delicious dinner with friends and family at Lavash. I can’t wait for that day because I miss this wonderful country and the amazing Armenian people.
When Armenia is safe for travel, I’d highly encourage everybody to come experience it for yourself — you won’t regret it.
