Tourism Rules Tighten: Armenia is rolling out a new system for tourism service providers: operators must notify authorities and register via notify.tourism.gov.am (linked to “Yes Em”), with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment if they don’t comply. Guide Standards: From September 1, all guides and tour guides must undergo certification/retraining every three years, and a rating system for tourism providers is planned. Digital Tourism Database: The government is creating a unified database of tourism service providers, with an annual registration fee set by activity type. Lake Sevan Travel Spotlight: A fresh travel piece highlights Sevan’s vacation appeal, from Sevanavank monastery and Noratus khachkars to Ishkhan trout and the Sevan Trout Festival. Sevan Event Watch: Varchafest festival-competition is set for August 22 on Sevan’s shores, with music, fairs, and a train departure from Yerevan at 9:30 AM. Flights & Access: Russia says it now has nonstop flights to 37 countries, including Armenia, expanding options for regional travelers. Regional Tourism Politics: Booking.com and GetYourGuide are promoting Shushi/Nagorno-Karabakh packages under alternative names, drawing renewed attention to Ruben Vardanyan’s detention. Legal/Travel Risk: Separate reporting notes that working in Armenia’s tourism sector without proper notification can trigger criminal liability.