“Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” project celebrates its Fifth Anniversary.

The United Armenian Congregational Church Hall was the setting of the “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” project’s fifth Anniversary celebration on January 29, 2008

Over 160 Guests attended this unique function, including the Office of The Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, Clergy, representatives of several Armenian organizations such as The Armenian Bar Association, Hadjin Compatriots organization, Aintab Compatriots, The Media and press as well as community leaders and friends. Horizon Armenian TV (a major supporter of this project) reporter and film crew were present

Rev. Ron Tovmassian, The UACC Men’s Fellowship, Arka Photography of Hollywood and Air France Western region had cosponsored this event. After a delicious food prepared and served by Kuyr Varteni and Shoushan Boyadjian, during which a 17 minutes slide show was projected, the program started with the opening remarks of Lena Boyadjian Melkonian. Due to its interesting and informative nature we give it to you in its entirety.

My name is Lena Boyadjian Melkonian, and on behalf of “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” I welcome you and thank you for joining us this evening in celebration of the 5th anniversary of this special project. Most of you already know the objective behind the slogan/logo of Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful and have visited the non-commercial, non-profit web site VisitArmenia.org.

For those who are not very familiar, the main goal of VAIIB is to spread the word that Armenia is not just for Armenians to visit but that it is a beautiful and unique country with varied attractions full of history, culture and an array of different sights and adventures that all people can visit and enjoy. . An increase in tourism will boost the country’s economy without much effort. Both the tourist through satisfaction of their visit, and the country, as a whole, from tourism, automatically benefit. So you see, we can help Armenia’s economy, from abroad, by promoting Armenia and tourism to Armenia.

It’s simple; each of us should do what we can, on a small or larger scale to help Armenia. I would like to ask each person here tonight to make a commitment - Which is:

1) Either visit Armenia, 2) Tell everyone we know (Armenian or Odar) to visit Armenia - refer them to the VISITARMENIA.ORG website, 3) If you have already visited Armenia don’t hide your pictures in an album, show them off to your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors.

Let us show the world that ARMENIA is truly beautiful and should be our next vacation destination. I know it will be mine.

During the past 5 years, this project and its intended goal has successfully reached many countries in the 5 continents. Emails are received from throughout the world. Some with questions about Armenia, such as for visa requirements, accommodations, available tours, while other emails give suggestions or concerns. Remember, since this is a non-commercial project, specific reference to hotels, restaurants or tour operators can not be provided, however, we do our best to provide as thorough a response as possible with no name dropping. Sometimes people are referred to tours organized through non-profit organizations, which are also posted on the site.

Many times, valid concerns or suggestions are referred to the proper authorities for a response or action. In fact, during our annual visits to Armenia, we meet with various ministries such as The Ministry of Trade and Economic Development and The Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs as well as others - to relay and emphasize the need for certain changes, construction and other matters that are directly linked with tourism from information and concerns relayed to us. And I am happy to say that slowly but surely many of the issues discussed have been addressed and we have personally experienced the positive changes during our visits.

In other words, the VAIIB project seems to have gone beyond its mission and somehow now serves also as a direct liaison between Armenia and those interested in Armenia.

From its inception, the VAAIB concept/logo/slogan has been offered by its founder, Ara Boyadjian, for use by Armenia, and all organizations so that a unified/uniform campaign is launched to attract tourists to Armenia.

In an effort to expand this further, we ask the media, all organizations, youth groups, churches, schools to incorporate the logo in their publications and communities, particularly those organizations with chapters in other parts of the world so that they also adopt and publicize the logo/slogan of Visit Armenia It Is Beautiful.

On your tables you will find envelopes with cards inside. Please take a few minutes to write your impressions, feed back or suggestions about the VAIIB project. Also, please take one of the bumper stickers that are presented as the centerpiece on your table, and kindly do use them.

I understand that the Honorable Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, has issued a letter of appreciation I would like to invite Mrs. Armineh Balian, Public Relations Director of the Consulate General of the Republic Of Armenia, on behalf of the Consul General’s office to the podium to present the certificate to my father Ara Boyadjian. Thank you very much.

Following the presentation of the Certificate, Ara Boyadjian thanked all four Youth Organization, namely AYF, AGBU, Glendale College Armenian Studies and UACC Youth Mission Groups for their participation and presentations. He thanked Rev. Ron Tovmassian, UACC Men’s Fellowship, Mr. Haygaz Hovanisyan, Shahe and Sahag Melelian Brothers of Arka Photo for cosponsoring this event. As well as The Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, Honorable Armen Liloyan for appreciation of his work.

He specially thanked the persons or organizations for their assistance and support during the past 5 years:

Stepan Partamian for helping design the logo. Razmig Arabian for designing and up keeping the visitarmenia.org web site Hagop Seropian, Michel Shahinian and Annie Kertenian for recording copying editing audio and videos and memories albums. Horizon Armenian TV and its technical staff, Bianca Manoogian, Harry Vorperian, Appo Jabarian and USA Armenian Life Magazine, Vahan Vahanian and Nor Hayastan Daily and all TV shows that interviewed him and aired the VAIIB infomercial. Focal Point Horizon TV with Dr. Manouk Seraydarian, AABS TV Nerses Adamian, Parev with Nune Avedisian, Badouhan with Chahe Keuroghlian as well as various TV programs and Radio stations in Armenia.

He additionally thanked Sebouh and Shoghig Baghdoyan and Masis.at from Vienna and Hrach Kalsahakian and Azad-Hye.net from UAE for their input. He thanked the persons who helped translate portions of the web site, Diana Yeranosyan into Portugese, Rita Martirosian, French, Liza Pirona and Rosie Linares Spanish and Anahit Shahverdian into Russian.

He did mention the VAIIB project was honored by the Burbank Chapter of the ANC for its merit and the William Saroyan award was presented to him along with other certificates of recognition from Congressmen, Assemblymen and Burbank City officials in May 2006.

He did thank God for giving him the enthusiasm and perception to promote Hayastan and finally he extended his gratitude to his wife, Shoushan, Daughters Lena and Lisa and grandchildren, Michael and Savannah for their support and help in writing, proof reading and generally helping in all aspects of this project.

He then invited the four youth organization’s representatives to come to help cut the anniversary cakes beautifully decorated with the LOGO and he ended his remarks by reminding every one to “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” and be sure to tell others.

AYF, AGBU, Glendale College Armenian Studies and UACC Youth Mission groups each presented documentary videos of their own activities during their visit to Armenia. These presentations serve as an enhancement to other organizations to plan and incorporate trips to Armenia as part of their activities.

Ara Boyadjian of VAIIB was a guest of Parev TV live program with hostess Nune Avetissian that aired on ATV.

After a brief introduction and emphasizing that the “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” project is not a commercial/business entity, the discussion continued about the importance of visiting Armenia and encouraging friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers to plan their next vacation to Armenia.

In a question from Nune about what other places Armenians like to visit, Ara answered that any European oAra Boyadjian of VAIIB was a guest of Parev TV live program with hostess Nune Avetissian that aired on ATV. After a brief introduction and emphasizing that the “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” project is not a commercial/business entity, the discussion continued about the importance of visiting Armenia and encouraging friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers to plan their next vacation to Armenia. In a question from Nune about what other places Armenians like to visit, Ara answered that any European or Middle Eastern country is an excellent combinable stop over for trips to Armenia. He suggested that people ask their travel agents to arrange 10-12 days trip to Armenia, started by or followed with a stop over in Paris, London, Munich, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Moscow, Beirut, Aleppo, Dubai (these are the cities which currently have direct flights to Yerevan). He also explained that any European stop over is possible with the connecting flights to Yerevan out of the above-mentioned cities. During the discussion, Ara suggested that when Armenians travel to other countries, to make sure and visit sights, monuments and churches of interest to Armenians. He explained that Armenians have a large number of establishments or monuments through out the world such as the old Armenian Church in Singapore and Calcutta, Sao Paolo, and Buenos Aires. r Middle Eastern country is an excellent combinable stop over for trips to Armenia. He suggested that people ask their travel agents to arrange 10-12 days trip to Armenia, started by or followed with a stop over in Paris, London, Munich, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Moscow, Beirut, Aleppo, Dubai (these are the cities which currently have direct flights to Yerevan). He also explained that any European stop over is possible with the connecting flights to Yerevan out of the above-mentioned cities.
During the discussion, Ara suggested that when Armenians travel to other countries, to make sure and visit sights, monuments and churches of interest to Armenians. He explained that Armenians have a large number of establishments or monuments through out the world such as the old Armenian Church in Singapore and Calcutta, Sao Paolo, and Buenos Aires.

Also, when visiting at the Vatican, remember to ask the guide to point you to St. Gregory the Illuminator's statue. Every one should know that we are interested in our history, heritage and culture.

Ara also mentioned that every time one travels to Armenia, there is another new place to visit. He told the audience that a drive along Sevan Lake from the eastern side (not the usual side of the lake that usually tourist travel) is recommended since the scenery is fantastic. Also a visit to Goshavank, near Dilijan and Akhtala near the Northern boarder are places to consider.

Nune emphasized Ara's optimism about Armenia while at the same time noting his realization that difficulties also exist in the country. We are all hopeful that in time, improvements in all arenas will be made.

Ara explained that it is very important for every Armenian in the Diaspora that visits Armenia to explain and give information from their expertise (ideas/suggestions from their line of work) so that the people there are educated and can find ways to improve their lives.

Ara also asked the audience to tell everyone they know throughout the world about the VAIIB logo and asked all organizations to contact him if he can help them to promote Armenia.

Nune ended the show asking the viewers to Love and Respect Armenia and definitely Visit Armenia, because, It Is Beautiful!

A meeting took place on December 13, 2006, in the offices of the Armenian Consulate housed at 50 La Cienega Boulevard, in Los Angeles, California wherein newly appointed Consul-General Mr. Armen Liloyan received Ara Boyadjian, founder of the “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” campaign (“VAIIB campaign”).


Consul General Liloyan, his hands full with his important mission to locally serve the Motherland by looking after its interests at his newly appointed post in Los Angeles, upon learning of the existence of the VAIIB campaign, extended an invitation to Mr. Boyadjian to visit the Consulate and discuss, in detail, the purpose and goals of said project.

During the meeting Ara Boyadjian, along with his daughter Lena Boyadjian Melkonian, expressed their views about the potential positive impact of the VAIIB campaign on the growth of tourism in Armenia.

In essence, the idea and purpose of the campaign is a non-partisan, non-commercial promotion of tourism to Armenia. Travel and tourism is one of the most important aspects for the growth of Armenian economy. In addition to its positive impact on the economy, it promotes peace, understanding, goodwill and cultural exchange amongst people.

The beauty of Armenia is not only encompassed in its nature, landscape, and ecosystem, but also in its rich culture and people. Armenia is not limited to those of only Armenian heritage, but for all tourists throughout the world. Additionally, this opens an opportunity of a further arena of business and trade when tourists visit this newly independent country and see first hand the wide range of business opportunities in Armenia.

Mr. Boyadjian presented his work over the last several years, in Los Angeles, Yerevan and through the Internet worldwide, in promoting the VAIIB campaign as well as the slogan/logo of “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful”. He stressed that the entire campaign and project, which he has full heartedly devoted himself to, is not his proprietorship, rather that it may belong to the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people, and urges all Armenians, whether it be individuals, organizations, the Church, and Armenia to take on the responsibility of utilizing the slogan/logo and promoting the “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” campaign for the enrichment and growth of tourism and trade in Armenia.

The Consul- General expressed his commendation for both the idea and work of the VAIIB project, and agreed that the campaign was adequate for the promotion of tourism to Armenia.  He offered the readiness of the Consulate to further the project and to consolidate the campaign, when appropriate, in their local operations and undertakings.

The meeting also focused on the need to use available information technologies and resources for advertising Armenia as a popular tourism destination.

The meeting concluded with Mr. Boyadjian’s gratitude to the Consul General for the opportunity to discuss the project, and for the Consul’s vision in enveloping the VAIIB concept, and for further and ongoing synergy between the Armenian Consulate and VAIIB.

The following week, Mr. Boyadjian, representing VAIIB, also attended a reception at Le Meridien Hotel hosted by the Armenian Consul General on December 18, 2006 in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia.  Armenian Church leaders, Foreign Dignitaries and representatives of a wide range of the Armenian community organizations and individuals were in attendance.

The importance of playing a role in society extends beyond the daily and normal activities people perform each day to sustain their livelihood. Taking on the responsibility of being engaged in an activity that can benefit others is clearly satisfying.  Spreading the word that Armenia is beautiful, and that people should visit Armenia does not take a lot of effort, and should be a motto for all Armenians.  Printing the “Visit Armenia, It Is Beautiful” slogan/logo in all Armenian publications or airing it in other media arenas is accomplishing.  Every Armenian should take on this responsibility. For more information, visit the VAIIB website at www.visitarmenia.org, and remember to “VISIT ARMENIA, IT IS BEAUTIFUL”, and to tell others.

On his return from Armenia, Ara Boyadjian was invited to a live show with Dr.Manoug Seraydarian of “Focal Point” program.  During this interview Ara reported about the different functions, celebrations, conventions, concerts and festivities that took place during his visit to Armenia from September 12 to October 15. The highlights were the 15th Independence of Armenia Anniversary celebration with a Military Parade, Concerts and shows at Vasken Sargsyan Stadium, Opera House concert with Shoushan Petrosyan, fireworks, the third Armenia Diaspora Conference, The 160th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Churches and their convention in Armenia, Armenian Relief Society’s celebrations of 15th Anniversary of ARS Armenia. The visit of President Jacques Chirac of France to Armenia, The fantastic concert by Charles Aznavour, etc.

During this live show, Dr. Seraydarian took several phone calls from the audience who had questions, concerns and suggestions about issues such as traffic, cleanliness and city services. Ara promised to take these concerns to the proper authorities hoping that eventually the officials will act upon some of these problems. Dr.Seraydarian repeatedly told the audience that this interview is to promote tourism, through publicizing the “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” logo and that this project is absolutely non-commercial and there are no gains to anyone except helping Armenia’s economy. Ara made an appeal to experts in the audience in the fields of traffic, trash collection, and health to contact him with suggestions and ideas so that he can pass this information to the appropriate authorities in Armenia. The “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” telephone number 818-566-1782 was given so that the audience can call and obtain posters, post cards, pens or bumper stickers.

Radio hostess Ms.Lilit Harutiounian who now has two radio shows in Argentina, one from Cordoba and the second from Buenos Aires conducted a one hour live interview with Ara Boyadjian, discussing the promotion of the “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” logo and updating her audience about the tourism progress in Armenia. Some comments were simultaneously translated to Spanish and the slogan “Visite Armenia, Es Hermoso” was repeated several times during the show. Ara suggested that first time visitors to Armenia should go there with an all inclusive tour group of a Church or Compatriotic organization so that most sights are included and visited.

Overall this was a pleasant and informative interview.

Chahe Keuroghelian hosted a one hour live show and presented to his audience Ara Boyadjian’s “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” project. The questions posed by Mr.Keuroghlian were very well prepared. The interview went along the lines of the benefits of tourism for Armenia and its positive impact on the economy, thus eventually benefiting everyone and slowing down the exodus and encouraging repatriation.

Ara explained to the audience that due to influx of tourists, several airlines are adding service to Yerevan from different points in Europe. Also hotels, many under internationally known hospitability managed companies, such as Golden Tulip, Marriott and Best Eastern chains, are helping to introduce Armenia to the world.

A large number of callers wanted to know about this project, although some had unrelated questions to which Ara answered that he will bring these concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Mr.Keuroghlian wanted to know specifically about the involvement of the youth to which Ara explained that it is very important for the youth to participate in their local organizations, such as sports, scouts, Church, benevolent or any other type of organization, which helps teach volunteerism and promote peace and harmony amongst people, thus eventually preparing leaders of tomorrow and asked the youth to contact him through the e-mail with their suggestion and ideas.

The Visit Armenia It Is Beautiful project would like to praise Mr. Keuroghlian for his understanding of its project, logo and slogan and continued support of same.

Glendale, CA March 28, 2006 - Ara Boyadjian was interviewed in a live broadcast on Horizon Armenian TV. Focal Point with host Dr. Manoug Seraydarian, the “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” project was discussed again in this one-hour program during which several phone calls were received from the audience. Callers had questions, comments and suggestions about availability and quality of Tourist services and the improvements made during the past several years. Ara answered with details. He emphasized the importance of tourism to help Armenia’s economy, which will benefit everyone, thus slowing down the exodus and even encourage repatriation.

Here are some of the highlights of that live program:

We are aware that this is a non-commercial project to encourage tourism to Armenia.

What does Armenia have to offer?

It is very important to have a recognizable logo/slogan with a direct message of “Visit” and “Armenia” and because Armenia offers a natural beauty, excellent historical monuments and specially hospitable and warm people, we must tell the world “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful”.

Several callers from the audience had questions about the aim of this project, safety in general and youth travel in particular as well as availability of clean accommodations and facilities.

The aim of this project is very clear, encourage Armenians to travel to Armenia and tell others to visit too. As to safety Armenia is very safe country both in Yerevan and elsewhere and due to building and opening of large number of quality hotels and restaurants of which several are managed by internationally known hotel management teams such as Marriott, Golden Tulip hotels, Best Eastern Hotels and others, facilities are becoming more and more available.

I understand “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” is also known in non-English speaking countries. Are you planning to have some other languages in your web site?

As I always say, this web site is not mine. It belongs to the Armenian people throughout the world. I am open to suggestions, comments and will even consider having some pages in different languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc. During my last visit to Armenia I asked for volunteers to translate to Russian too as there is a large Armenian community in Russia and of course many Russians will enjoy visiting Armenia.

A caller wanted to know how to obtain the Logo bumper sticker

Send me an e-mail or call my number at 818-566-1782 and I will gladly sent you one.

(Over forty calls and e-mails were received during the next day asking for bumper stickers which were mailed free of charge.)

In conclusion it was again clearly stated that people should call their travel agents and make reservations very early to obtain better fares as several airlines have added new flights from different European cities to Yerevan such as Air France it had its inaugural flight from Paris on March 27^, 2006 and it was suggested to the youth to spend their summer vacations in Armenia with youth group tours arranged by the different Churches and organizations.

A live phone interview was conducted on Sunday morning at 830am Argentina time, with Hostess Ms.Lilit Harutiounian. Ara Boyadjian explained to the audience the importance and benefits of having a direct logo and answered several questions regarding how to promote tourism to Armenia and encouraged everyone to tell a friend about the web site. Ms.Harutiunian translated to slogan to Armenian "Aytzelek Hayastan, na Keghetzig e" and also to Spanish "Visite Armenia, Es Hermoso".
This radio broadcast is heard through the Internet in several countries including most of South and Central America, Mexico, USA, Canada, most of Europe and Middle East.On February 26the interview with Vem Radio of Yerevan was rebroadcast at RadioVital Cordoba.

One hour live show with host Nersess Adamian where Ara Boyadjian reported the latest improvements in the tourism sector and also suggested that every Armenian in the Diaspora should promote the "Visit Armenia it is Beautiful" logo and use products made in Armenia.

This was the second time Ara was a guest on this program.

Live Broadcast on Vem Radio
http://www.vem.am/files/programs/5/Ara_Boyadjian.mp3

YerkirMedia TV station – Morning Variety show with Dikran introduced Ara Boyadjian as a tourism expert with years of experience in promoting countries and presented the logo and the slogan of “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful”.

Can you tell us about the Logo and the Web site?
This unique logo and the web site are designed to introduce Armenia and its Beauty to the world and its direct message “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” will remain always current, now, in ten or fifty years. I try to distribute this non-commercial site to everyone throughout the world. I receive e-mails from all over and as I always say, this is not my web site; it belongs to every Armenian wherever they are. It is important that this logo/slogan becomes part of our daily lives.

I did visit the web site www.visitarmenia.org and found it to be very interesting with a lot of photos, subjects and links. How else are you promoting this site and logo?
Horizon Armenia TV in Glendale California as well as several Newspapers, Magazines, some businesses, schools and churches help publicize the logo, displaying posters, and distributing post cards, car bumper stickers, T-shirts and tank tops. I had the posters and cards printed in Armenia, the stickers and the T-shirts in Los Angeles, which I paid for myself. It is difficult but I am hoping it will produce good results.

I will now ask our operator to play the 22 seconds infomercial that Horizon Armenia TV airs in Los Angles. Then pleas tell us what else you do for this project?

How can you reach the non-Armenian public?
In the Diaspora I suggest Armenians give their non-Armenian friends and coworkers gifts made in Armenia such as Armenian wine, preservatives or art, that helps the export and also gives a reason to talk about Armenia and direct them to the Visitarmenia web site which has informative non-commercial links. During live TV interviews I receive questions not related to tourism, which I try to answer in hopes that responsible parties take note and work toward solutions.

A musical intermission with Alla Levonian song after which the discussion was about how to improve services and availability of facilities etc… Ara again suggested that Armenian business community make use of the logo, which eventually will help the economy. He also emphasized the importance of launching this propaganda campaign throughout the world at the same time because the direct slogan “Visit Armenia it is beautiful” speaks for it self. We can all work together and succeed together.

Ara Boyadjian was invited to Hayastan One TV station morning variety show with hosts Mariam Ghaplanian and Felix Khachatryan for an interview regarding “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful”.

Good Morning, please tell us how do you start your mornings?
I start my mornings always thinking about Armenia but first let me thank H1 TV station and you for inviting me here to give you a brief explanation of my “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” project and make everyone aware of its benefits and seek everyone’s assistance for its success.

What this project will do and when did you start working on this?
This slogan/logo will promote our country as a tourist destination thus helping improve Armenia’s economy. I started planning this campaign several years ago but I actually went full blast beginning of 2004 by e-mailing throughout the world and there are several Armenian TV stations, Magazines and newspapers in the Diaspora who use this logo without any financial anticipation.

What is the web address? And you told us this site is not yours but all Armenians
Yes, this web site is not mine. It belongs to the Armenian people, here and in the Diaspora. Everyone throughout the world should direct people to this web site for information as I have chosen excellent links (non-commercial) such as the ADTA office on Nalbandian Blvd. and The RA Foreign Minister site. I also have met in the past with RA deputy minister of trade and economic development Mr.Ara Petrosyan and received his moral support for this harmless and pleasant project. It is important to know that this slogan does not get old because Armenia is Beautiful Now, in twenty or Fifty years. Diaspora Armenians will come to visit first, and then in time non-Armenians will come too. Once this happens everyone will benefit and prosper. The Armenian people are hospitable the young professionals in the tourist and service industries are very nice and we have excellent web designers.

Do you see progress in tourism?
Every time I come I notice great progress, which eventually will benefit everyone.

You have T-shirts and other promotional materials. How do you distribute them?Schools and other organizations use these for their fund raising project. What I like to see, Armenian businesses that export products, such as bottled water,  print this logo in one corner, it does not cost extra, yet it helps publicize our country. Also for example I know there is an Armenian boat Gilikia sailing the Mediterranean, which is excellent  maybe the Captain can display this Logo among the other flags, inviting people to come to Armenia. I also have a plea to our singers especially the ones who travel abroad. They should become Armenia’s good will ambassadors and at the end of their performances they should invite people to come to Armenia by saying “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful”

What future plans do you have for this project?
I talk about Armenia and “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” at least 15 hours a day, it is important to keep talking about this to keep the interest alive. Students in the Diaspora who travel to Armenia should write essays about why they like to visit Armenia and on their return home they should write about what they learned from the visit. My four year old granddaughter who is with me, since we booked our trip, every time she sees a building with tall columns (resembling to Garni temple) asks if this is Armenia. Children’s songs about going to Armenia are also an excellent means to enhance love of our country.

Who in your family is with you?
My wife, my two daughters and two grandchildren. My older daughter has been to Armenia 7-8 times with me, and with her own family. We love it and we all constantly talk about Armenia.

Is there any Government support?
No, This is not a Government program, I do not expect anything. I hope everyone can display this logo in their homes, work place, cars, and buses and also inform their relatives abroad to download and print this logo in any prominent manner. There is no copyright permission requirement.

What do you have in the Web site?
I have a photo gallery, excellent non-commercial links and information about the E-visa service of the RA Foreign Ministry

Thank you and your last comments please
I am so impressed with the Armenian peoples’ hospitability especially the young service industry workers, who are very knowledgeable, polite and pleasant.

You forgot something….
Oh…you are right… “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful”

An interview was conducted at Armenian American Broadcasting Service’s live TV Show with host Nersess Adamian, where Ara Boyadjian introduced the “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” project and its web site visitarmenia.org A large number of callers with comments, suggestions and questions contacted the show and received clarifications and answers to their concerns.

Here are some of the highlights of that one-hour live program:

After thanking the host and the station for this invitation, Ara briefly explained the importance of having a recognizable logo with a direct slogan “Visit Armenia”, which promotes tourism thus helping Armenia’s economy.

How did the idea of  “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” start?
After my first visit to Armenia in 1998 with my family, I fell in love with the country its beauty and wonderful people and as an expert in tourism I thought the best way to promote Armenia is to create this logo/slogan and web site and distribute it throughout the world.

Other Countries spend large sums of money, is anyone helping you with your project?
Some other Countries spend millions of dollars, in TV, Magazines, Newspapers and other means of advertising. My project is a non-commercial project and it needs the support of the Armenian Media and organization throughout the world to spread the word about this unique logo and the web site. I do not have any financial support from anyone; this is purely a voluntary project, which needs every Armenian’s participation.

How will this help Armenia financially?
Tourism is one of the best sources of income to a countries economy. First the people working in the tourism and services areas will benefit directly from the tourist dollars, soon after the entire country’s economy benefits as tourists spend their money at hotels, restaurants, entertainment, theater, concerts and art. It is every Armenian’s duty to promote our country to increase its tourism and “visitarmenia.org” web site is the best tool where people could find information through the carefully selected links.

How do local Armenians communicate with tourist?
Several languages are spoken fluently at hotels, restaurants and many stores as well as Armenia can be proud with a number of tourist guides who are young, highly educated well informed of Armenia’s history and places of interest, English, Russian, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Persian, Arabic and other languages are spoken.

How  can our viewers contribute to this project?
It is important to talk about Armenia every day. We can give Armenian products as gifts to our non-Armenian coworkers, thus increasing awareness about Armenia and then direct them the visitaremnia.org web site.

One of the viewers wanted to know if there are car rental companies in Armenia for which Ara answered yes, and said that a mid size car, rental is about $45.00 per day and that all makes and models of cars are driven in Armenia. Some callers needed to know about minimum wage, retirement income, availability of public bathrooms and if Ara organizes group tours to Armenia, for which he directed them to their local Travel Agent to make trip reservations.

The interview ended with Ara repeating that this web site “does not belong to me- it belongs to every Armenian” and asking every one to publicize it in their environment.

The host thanked the sponsor of the show Mr.Sahag Melelian of Arka Photography in Hollywood.

Glendale, CA December 21, 2004—Mr. Ara Boyadjian, an expert of many years with wide knowledge of the Travel and Tourism industries, was interviewed as part of a live broadcast on Horizon Armenian TV. Focal Point with host Dr. Manoug Seraydarian, featured the “Visit Armenia it is Beautiful” project for this one-hour program during which Dr. Seraydarian received several phone calls from the audience. Several callers had questions, comments and suggestions about availability of quality services, hotels, restaurants, public restrooms to which Ara answered with details. He emphasized the Armenian tour guides being very educated, young, knowledgeable, and polite and availability of a large number of different category hotels with excellent rates.

Here are some of the highlights of that one-hour live program:

What is the aim of the VisitArmenia.org Project?
“Visit Armenia It is Beautiful” logo with a direct slogan emphasizing the words Visit and Armenia should become a worldwide-recognized logo, which will stimulate Armenians and non-Armenians alike to travel to Armenia.

How did the idea of the logo come about?
As an expert in promoting tourism to several countries, I created this logo as a tool to use to introduce Armenia to everyone throughout the world. The Armenian Media and especially Horizon Armenian TV was the first who unconditionally started to make use of this project, preparing and airing a 22 seconds public service announcement infomercial for which I thank its management, staff and technical support. Several newspapers and magazines are also printing this logo in their pages.

Is this a business or are there any financial gains to you or to anyone else?
This is not a business, there are no money transactions and no one has any financial gains. I am hopping that the direct beneficiary will be the Armenian people.

I understand the importance of recognized logos, such as Shell or McDonalds and others, which are recognized throughout the world, how are you distributing this logo?
I e-mail throughout the world to all Armenian Churches, Organizations, Media, Schools, Establishments, publishers of Magazines, scholars, educators, newspapers or anyone who prints something of interest to Armenians asking them to print and publicize this unique logo.

I understand then that there are no copyright or permission requirements to make use of this logo.
Yes that is true. Anyone can use this logo in any acceptable median as far as the logo is not changed or distorted.

Is there any financial aid or any help from anyone for this project?
No, there are no financial aids, a young man, Stepan prepared the logo and the web site is designed and up kept by Razmig Arabian for free. The minor expenses for the web site, printing and mailing, I pay for on my own hoping that one-day Armenia will benefit.

Is the Government of Armenia helping in anyway?
I had meetings with Mr.Ara Petrosyan Deputy Minister of RA Ministry of trade and economic development as well as with the assistant director of ADTA where I made them aware of this project but no specific cooperation was established.

How are you reaching to the young generation?
The younger generations are experts in using the Internet. I encourage everyone to use and promote the visitarmenia.org because this site is not mine, it belongs to every Armenian. Also all school seniors who travel to Armenia should write short essays about why they like to visit Armenia and on their return from Armenia write about the experience they gained.

The tourist season is too short for Armenia due to cold winter weather.
Armenia has only eight months of tourist season, however the winter tourism should be encouraged. Dzaghgatzor has excellent skiing and several winter sports facilities and excellent choice of accommodations with unbelievably low prices. Actually it is less expensive to go to Armenia for a ski tour, then going to Aspen or Vail near Denver.

What can people do to support this project and encourage others visit Armenia?
Everyone should tell a friend, an acquaintance or a neighbor to visit the web site www.visitarmenia.org . E-mail friends and relatives outside the USA, Spend your vacations, anniversaries, family reunions, Christenings even weddings in Armenia

Better yet, always ask, “Have you seen the visitarmenia.org web site?” Because there is always an answer to a question. If the answer is yes, then you can continue with conversation asking about what they saw in the site, and if the answer is No then you can say, please visitarmenia.org

In conclusion then, this project belongs to everyone. We should all support and participate in its success. Thank you and best of luck from Dr. Seraydarian.

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