Marriott Bonvoy has withdrawn a controversial tourism package to Artsakh following a five-day international protest campaign organized by Armenian organizations and human rights advocates, according to the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The package featured an approximately 14-hour tour that included visits to the cities of Shushi and Stepanakert, which are under Azerbaijani control. It had been available for booking through Marriott’s travel services platform, with customers eligible to earn Marriott Bonvoy reward points, Pastinfo reported.
According to ANCA, the package description omitted any reference to Artsakh’s Armenian history, Azerbaijan’s blockade, the military offensive, and the forced displacement of the Armenian population.
The itinerary also included Stepanakert’s “We Are Our Mountains” monument, describing it as an example of regional stone art and architecture without mentioning its Armenian origin.
According to the statement, the issue was first brought to public attention on July 27 by the Center for Armenian Research and Analysis (CARA). ANCA, Armenian organizations in several countries, partner organizations and media outlets subsequently launched a coordinated protest campaign.
ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian said Marriott should not profit from the displacement of Artsakh’s Armenian population and its consequences.
According to the organization, Marriott removed the disputed tourism package in less than five days following the international response. The company has not issued a separate public explanation for its decision.
On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale military offensive against Artsakh, placing the entire territory under intensive shelling. One day later, on September 20, the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh accepted a ceasefire proposal put forward by the command of the Russian peacekeeping mission, agreeing to Baku’s conditions, including the disarmament of the Defense Army and the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh.
The offensive resulted in the deaths of 223 people, including 20 civilians, six of them minors. Beginning on September 24, the forced displacement of the population of Artsakh began, with more than 100,000 people fleeing to Armenia. According to some reports, around 20 Armenians remained in Artsakh after the exodus; 11 later returned to Armenia, one died, and one was detained.
