ArtEast Hostel
Hasmik Rostomyan
Hospitality Expert
Asya Malamyan
Asya, let’s start with the question that I am sure you have been given a lot: why a hostel? We know
that you have many other business ideas, why to start with this one?
ince my very first job up until now, I stick to 5 main principles when selecting a new field to work:
first, it has to be interesting. It should be something I can learn from and I can put into practice my
knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. Second, it has to be fun. I don’t have life after work, neither
work after life. My work is my life. Third, it must be fun for others as well. I appreciate people I work
with and I feel responsible for their happiness, at least at work. Forth, it should have the prospective
to grow, prosper, and expand. Even the best activity becomes boring and demotivating when you have
no growth. And finally, fifth, is the profit. As an entrepreneur, profit is the only measurable thing that
helps you to understand if the project is worth it or not. To sum it all up, this is what ArtEast is about.
S
From physics to International Hospitality and Tourism Management
As we know you graduated from the Yerevan State
University (bachelor and master’s degrees), the
faculty of physics, after Ben-Gurion University of
the Negev, Israel again in the field of physics, and
directly after that you finished Cardiff Metropolitan
University, UK department of International
Hospitality and Tourism Management with master’s
degree on hospitality. Can you please mention
the lines when hotel industry and physics can go
parallelly?
ell, it is quite difficult to make parallels between
nuclear physics and hospitality! Actually, it was
very hard for me to catch social sciences after being
a researcher in exact sciences for over 9 years. They
are exactly the opposite sciences. Analytical skill is the
great feature that helped me to catch and understand
hospitality “world”. As well as multitasking, time
management, critical thinking, and data assessment
and collection are the skills that made me a scientist
and I used those skills in understanding the features
of hospitality.
W
What gave you the Cardiff Metropolitan University
of UK which you think here in Armenia doesn’t
exist?
n my opinion, the main option in education at the
university was the “freedom” that you had, e.g. in
I
all the assignments that I had to pass I was free
to make them the way I want. Specifically, it was
appreciated to use your creativity and any type
of innovation (even silly ones) on the given task.
For instance, I used my mathematical skills on my
project management examination.
Such attitude makes you feel self-confident,
motivated and a decision maker.
Did you use the skills you gained from the
university and what are the disadvantages and
obstacles in hotel industry of Armenia according
to your analyses?
ure, I used them. In my opinion, in hotel industry
everyone should have education specifically for
that field. Such industry is so dynamic that you
need to be very flexible and educated enough for
giving great service, having smooth management
and satisfied guests.
In Armenia hospitality is a part of our culture, but
we Armenians do not know how to give flawless
service. This is a matter of economics, politics, etc.
Armenia is a “child” in hotel industry and there is
a need for exactly hospitality education provided
by specialists and professionals from developed
countries, where hospitality is already in a high
level.
S
Among all the other hostels in Yerevan why tourists should choose ArtEast?
is not just a hostel, it is a community. Mostly our guests are not tourists, but
travelers and here is where the fun begins. In the Armenian market hostels
are known to be for budget travelers and for several nights stay only. ArtEast is not just a place to
sleep, all the activities organized in the hostel make it a unique place not only to stay several nights
but to be a part of the Armenian cultural life. All the exhibitions, movies screenings, discussions
and masterclasses held in the hostel help the travelers to get to know Armenia and its culture better.
ArtEast
What is the capacity of ArtEast and are
there plans to grow bigger?
urrently we can host 20-22 guests
but for sure we will grow bigger
and by the end of next year we plan to
expand and offer up until 35-40 places.
The business grows with the demand.
C
When starting the business, what
was the main challenge?
n a city where there are
hundreds of hostels,
the main challenge is to
find your place in the
market, to be unique,
creative and worthy.
Once you have your
clear vision and define
clear steps towards it,
no challenge is an issue.
I
What would be your advice for those
willing to start Hostel Business in
Armenia? What to put the emphasis
on?
elegate! Monitor! Control!
Those are the main things I
would recommend. Whatever can
be done by a reliable team, can
never be done by you only. So,
find the right people, make a
clear job division, monitor and
control the whole process and
the success will knock your door.
And most importantly – listen
to your customers and be in
sync with time!
D