Global Travel Brands Face Backlash for Selling Tours to Cleansed Armenian Heritage Sites in Artsakh

In September 2023, an Azerbaijani military offensive forced over 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee their ancestral homeland of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and seek refuge in neighboring Armenia. Although the International Court of Justice (ICJ) mandated that Azerbaijan ensure the safe return of these individuals, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Displaced Armenians were forced to leave behind their homes, ancient monasteries, and cemeteries—sites that international researchers have documented are now facing severe alteration or complete destruction.

Tourism Atop Armenian Heritage Sites

Just months after this mass displacement, ancient Armenian Christian holy sites and territories are being rebranded as 5-star tourist destinations. Notably, "Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities" recently offered excursions to cities like Shushi and Stepanakert (marketed under their Azerbaijani names, Shusha and Khankendi). The tour descriptions almost completely omitted any mention of the indigenous Armenian Christian population or their recent expulsion. Following a wave of public backlash, the company removed the listing.

Revelations by "Save Armenia"

The issue extends beyond a single company. A report published by Dr. Paul Murray, Executive Director of the advocacy group "Save Armenia," revealed that similar excursion packages are being sold across multiple major travel platforms. The problematic listings have been found on the following networks:

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

In light of these developments, The Christian Post has highlighted the moral implications, reminding readers of the biblical mandate to remember the persecuted:

"Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves."