Tsarukyan calls tourism Armenia's 'gold mine'

Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan is pitching tourism as the cornerstone of his party’s economic vision, calling it a “gold mine” that could transform Armenia’s future if properly developed.

At a campaign stop in Spitak on Saturday, Tsarukyan unveiled plans to construct a monumental statue of Christ, a project he said was introduced at the Cannes Film Festival and drew international attention. He argued the landmark could attract filmmakers beginning in 2027 and serve as a magnet for global visitors.

“Tourism is a gold mine that must be used correctly,” Tsarukyan said, adding that Armenia’s cultural and historical assets remain underutilized. He emphasized that even modest spending by tourists could ripple through the economy, supporting small businesses, taxi drivers, artisans, and the service sector.

Tsarukyan also outlined proposals to ease the burden on entrepreneurs, suggesting that businesses with annual turnover under 60 million drams should be free from tax inspections until they grow. He called for debt forgiveness programs and interest-free loans for farmers to help finance planting and harvesting, describing agriculture as the backbone of the nation.

“The key is creating jobs and ensuring people have money to spend, so the economy can grow,” he said, urging voters to consider their children’s future when heading to the polls.