Shirak Miqayelyan, Founding Director of VAYK Hotel
and Tourism Center.
Mr. Mikaelyan, Vayk tourism center, and the hotel have
been operating since 2010. Introduce us, please, to this
hotel and describe the advantages and specifications
of the tourism center, and in general, how is the flow of
tourists and seasonality (time series) in Vayk?
he Vayk hotel and tourism center was founded in 2010.
Few people believed in the success of this initiative
considering Vayk as an unattractive destination for tourists.
However, by analyzing our strengths and weaknesses (pros
and cons), we noted that Vayk is a geographical center
both on the map of the region and on the Yerevan-Artsakh
highway, it is located on the highway, the city has clean, neat
and cozy residence, located along the Arpa River, between
Vardeniats and Vayots Mountains.
T
As for the tourist attraction, it is a very conventional concept
and it depends on how you feel and how you present those
sightseeings. That’s why our hotel also took the mission
of the Information Center from the very beginning. The
“Tourist Center” signboard guides tourists to our hotel
where they receive information about attractions and tourist
opportunities in Vayots Dzor region, as well as get answers
to other questions, such as about roads, transportation, the
distance between settlements, nearest shops, banks, medical facilities.
In addition, in our hotel, they will be offered a cup of tea or coffee and
will have the opportunity to charge their devices.
As for Vayk Hotel, it is a 3-story building with 15 rooms, including single,
double and triple rooms that are beautifully and comfortably furnished.
We have a high rating among different hotel booking systems. Despite
the seasonality of tourism in Armenia, we work all year round. It should
be noted that in recent years, the problem of seasonality seems to be
overcome.
In winter we have tourists as well who come here not only to
celebrate the New Year but also to do winter hiking and skiing in our
mountains that are ideal for such preferences. In addition, our hotel
has a multifunctional hall where various public events are held, such
as meetings, seminars, workshops, and exhibitions, so this activity also
provides income for our hotel.
Our mission is to promote the whole Vayots Dzor as an exclusive
tourism destination, where the most diverse forms of tourism can be
combined: cultural, agro, eco, gastronomical,
wine, adventure…
With this in view, we realize various initiatives,
publish and distribute books and brochures
about Vayots Dzor, organize festivals,
conferences on the topic of “Tourism
Opportunities in Vayots Dzor”, support
other individuals or organizations engaged
in tourism in different ways and provide
consulting services to those communities
who want to develop tourism in their region.
Tourism is a field where not only you but all
other interconnected “actors” need to be
strong and advanced in order to succeed.