A scene from the JATA forum in Tokyo

TOKYO—Attempts by Azeris to distribute anti-Armenian propaganda during a large international tourism exhibit were thwarted when National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia brought the matter to organizers’ attention.

The Japanese Association of Tourism Agents was hosting its annual international tourism forum over the weekend, when a delegation from Azerbaijan attempted to distribute anti-Armenian propaganda to participants and visitors.

The delegation of National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia requested the organizers of the exhibition to address the Azeri provocation and eradicate the offensive materials. The JATA authorities responded promptly and the Azeri materials were removed from the exhibition, NCFA Public Relations Office said.

The efforts of Azerbaijan, in using international tourism platforms for spreading of anti-Armenian propaganda, were once again nipped in the bud in the face of our vigilant counteraction.

Last week, the Armenia and Artsakh booth at the Top Resa 2012 International Travel Market in Paris was vandalized, with displays of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic being the prime targets. Azeris had complained about the participation of Artsakh at the exhibition. The booth was entirely restored to its previous condition and all the information on Karabakh was widely accessible.

The Tokyo exhibition, organized by Japanese Association of Tourist Agents, is one of the largest events put on by the Asian travel industry. JATA is attended by tourism organizations and government representatives from more than 150 countries.

NCFA’s participation in this major exhibition aims to promote Armenia as a tourism destination in the Asian market; while also establishing new tourism partnerships to promote tour packages and contribute to the growth of inbound tourism.