Erasing History: Global Travel Giants Selling Tours to Depopulated Artsakh Following Mass Displacement

In September 2023, following an Azerbaijani military offensive, over 100,000 ethnic Armenians were forced to flee their ancestral homes in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and seek refuge in neighboring Armenia. Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Azerbaijan to ensure the safe return of these people, the Armenians were forced to leave behind their homes, centuries-old monasteries, and cemeteries. International monitors and researchers have since documented the ongoing alteration and destruction of these cultural sites.

Tourism Atop Artsakh's Endangered Monuments

Shortly after the mass displacement, Armenian Christian sanctuaries and historical areas began being marketed as 5-star tourist destinations. Notably, "Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities" offered excursions to key cities like Shushi and Stepanakert (listing them under their Azerbaijani names, Shusha and Khankendi, in the tour description). These listings made almost no mention of the indigenous Armenian Christians or their recent expulsion. Following intense public backlash, the company removed the listing.

Revelations by "Save Armenia"

A report published by Dr. Paul Murray, Executive Director of the US-based advocacy group "Save Armenia," revealed that similar tours are being sold across various other global platforms. The problematic list includes the following major companies:

• Expedia
• Travelocity
• Viator (owned by Tripadvisor)
• GetYourGuide

In this context, The Christian Post, an American evangelical newspaper, reminded its readers of the biblical mandate not to forget the persecuted:

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."