Abstract

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issues of revolutions and its possible effects on tourism. Revolutionary tourism describes the visits to revolutionary places. It may be interesting for politicians, researchers, state workers, journalists, writers, also amateurs of adventures and just tourists.

The main purpose of the research is to analyze the meaning of the revolutionary tourism, its roots and main history, aims and directions and to find out the opportunities to develop that type of tourism in Armenia.

The investigation of the topic showed, that revolutionary tourism is well developed in China and Russia, besides, in many places, such as Palestine, Egypt, Israel, Tunisia, despite the revolutions, wars and dangers, tourists are curious to visit that places.

The methodological tools for the research were the following methods: analysis and synthesis, micro and macro analysis, historical analysis. The object of the research is Armenia, where a velvet revolution took place in April-May 2018. The revolution was peaceful, without blood, and was interesting for international media as well. Based on Armenian experience, some countries started the same protests in their countries (for example Russian, France).

The empirical analysis shows that in the days of revolution, many tourists came to Armenia, who were admired with the national spirit of Armenians. They were astonished to see how Armenians sing and dance in the streets, presenting it as a unique Armenian way of revolution.

The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that Armenia has a great potential for tourism development and this case should also be used as a positive factor to present Armenia as a safe country abroad, and to develop a new type of tourism – revolutionary or ‘’velvet’’ tourism in the country.

The main conclusion is that tourism marketing in Armenia should include also the fact of velvet revolution which will be interesting for many tourists, especially Chinese and Russian red tourists.

The results of the research can be useful for the state organs, private sector to accomplish marketing activities, also for researchers of tourism sphere.

Keywords: tourism, revolution, red tourism, protest, velvet, Armenia.

JEL Classification: Z3, L83, D74.

Cite as: Tovmasyan, G. (2018). Revolutionary Tourism. New Opportunity For Armenia. SocioEconomic Challenges, 3(2), 76-82. DOI: 10.21272/sec.3(2).76-82.2018

References

1. Chinese tourists closed the streets and joined the Armenian protestors [Electronic resource]. Available at: https://factor.am/51223.html (Accessed: 10.05.18) (in Armenian).
2. Haines, G. 10 surprising destinations where tourism is booming in 2017 [Electronic resource]. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/surprising-countries-where-tourism-is-booming-in-2017/ (Accessed: 11.06.18).
3. Hunse, L. Red tourism in China. Available at: http://journeying.ru/krasniy-turizm-v-kitae.html (Accessed: 10.05.18) (in Russian).
4. International Tourism Results 2017: the highest in seven years. Available at: http://media.unwto.org/press-release/2018-01-15/2017-international-tourism-results-highest-seven-years (Accessed: 10.05.18).
5. Order of the Federal Agency for Tourism (Rosturizm) of May 15, 2006 No. 74 Moscow On the procedure for determining tourist organizations that have the right to carry out activities within the framework of the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on visa-free group travels of 29 February 2000 [Electronic resource]. Available at: https://rg.ru/2006/06/07/turizm-dok.html (Accessed: 10.05.18) (in Russian).
6. Plyushchev, A. Comments: Russia impressed by Armenia [Electronic resource]. Available at: https://www.dw.com/ru/%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B4-%D0%B2%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%BC-%D0%BE%D1%82-%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B8/a-43673812, (Accessed: 10.05.18) (in Russian).
7. Red tourism. Why chinese tourists are attracted by the revolutionary history of Russia? [Electronic resource]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTK0WMp7R3Y&feature=youtu.be (Accessed: 10.05.18) (in Russian).
8. Shanchzhun, Z. (2009). The development of red tourism [Electronic resource]. Available at: http://redrouterussia.com/en/pages/razvitie_red_tour.php. (Accessed: 10.05.18).
9. Social-Economic Situation of the RA (2017). National Statistical Service of the RA [Electronic resource]. Available at: www.armstat.am (in Armenian). (Accessed: 10.05.18).
10. Social-economic situation of the RA in January-March (2018). [Electronic resource]. Available at: http://armstat.am/file/article/sv_03_18a_421.pdf (Accessed: 10.05.18) (in Armenian).
11. The number of tourists from China to Russia reached up to 1.5 mn in 2017.[Electronic resource]. Available at: https://regnum.ru/news/2387546.html (Accessed: 10.05.18) (in Russian).
12. Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report (2017). World Economic Forum, Geneva, 2017.
13. Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Armenia (2018). p. 1, World Travel and Tourism Council [Electronic resource]. Available at: http://www.wttc.org (Accessed: 10.05.18).
14. UNESCO, Armenia: Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List. [Electronic resource]. Available at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/am (Accessed: 10.05.18).
15. Vodopyanova A. Red tourism ‒ a type of pilgrimage for Chinese citizens [Electronic resource]. Available at: http://rusturinvest.ru/article/krasnyy-turizm-eto-svoego-roda-palomnichestvo-dl-1400.html (Accessed: 10.05.18) (in Russian).
16. Wong E. Revolution Isn’t a Party, but It Draws Tourists [Electronic resource]. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/31/world/asia/31china.html?_r=1 (Accessed: 10.05.18).