Our CEO in The Christian Post: When Tourism Erases a People
Save Armenia CEO Dr. Paul Murray has a new op-ed in The Christian Post, and it asks a hard question. What happens when the same places a people were forced to flee are repackaged as tourist destinations, with barely a word about who once lived there?
That is the reality facing Artsakh. After Azerbaijan’s September 2023 offensive, more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled the region, leaving behind homes, churches, monasteries, and cemeteries built over centuries of Christian life. The International Court of Justice later ordered Azerbaijan to ensure that those who wished to return could do so safely. The people left. Their heritage remained, and much of it is now being damaged, altered, or erased.
Dr. Murray connects that erasure to something most travelers never see. Global platforms have marketed tours through the region while offering little context about the displaced Armenian Christians whose sacred sites sit on the itinerary. Marriott removed one such listing after public criticism, but a Save Armenia review found similar offerings still promoted through Expedia, Travelocity, Viator, and GetYourGuide.
His argument is not only about corporate policy. It is a call to Christian conscience. Scripture tells us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and that command does not expire when a persecuted community fades from the headlines. The Armenian Christians of Artsakh should not become an exception to our concern.
- Dr Paul Murray
About Save Armenia
Save Armenia is a nonprofit organization mobilizing faith leaders, policymakers, and global partners to support Armenia’s security, sovereignty, and religious freedom. Through advocacy, leadership engagement, and strategic initiatives such as the Save Armenia Peace Indicator and the Build Armenia implementation platform, the organization works to strengthen Armenia’s long-term resilience and stability while mobilizing American Christian and policy communities to support Armenia amid ongoing regional challenges.
Media Contact
Eleanor Forshaw
Deputy Director
Save Armenia
eforshaw@savearmenia.us
