AUA TRDP Supports Opening of New Guesthouse in Vayots Dzor
2 min readVAYOTS DZOR, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) Turpanjian Rural Development Program (TRDP) is pleased to announce the opening of “Legend,” a new guesthouse nestled in the historic Artabuynk village of Vayots Dzor, Armenia. This business venture has been realized thanks to the sustained support of TRDP, the AUA program dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in the regions and facilitating the establishment of new businesses and the creation of jobs.
Owned by Karen Karamyan, the “Legend” guesthouse is a tribute to his grandparents, who have instilled in him the values of hospitality and the importance of never leaving one’s house empty. Inspired by this wisdom, Karamyan decided to open his home to everyone, a dream he pursued with guidance and assistance from TRDP Vayots Dzor. Following his successful completion of the training program, Karamyan received support from TRDP to bring his vision to life while preserving the authentic design of his ancestral home.
Nestled in the historic village of Artabuynk, “Legend” boasts breathtaking views of the majestic Smbataberd and the meandering Elegis stream of the Yeghegis river. Mr. Karamyan not only extends unmatched hospitality to his guests but also provides various hiking activities around the captivating historical sites of Artabuynk.
Once again, TRDP has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community development, fostering local entrepreneurs like Karamyan to accomplish their dreams. Earlier, Karamyan also participated in a Hospitality Management training organized in collaboration with AUA’s College of Business and Economics. Zarmine Zeitountsian led this training and proudly attended the grand opening of Karamyan’s guesthouse.
The opening was a spectacular celebration that brought together Karamyan’s family and friends. It featured traditional Armenian dances and music, setting the stage for a promising future for “Legend.” At the opening, Karamyan welcomed his first guest from Switzerland, who was deeply impressed and moved by the warmth of the event.
Expressing his deepest gratitude to the TRDP program and its dedicated staff, Karamyan emphasized that his business endeavor is primarily aimed at contributing to the prosperity of his homeland. Also speaking at the opening were Zorair Kirakosian, TRDP director of field operations, and Narine Babayan, who assured attendees that the TRDP staff will keep in close touch and continue to provide support to ensure the success of “Legend” and its future endeavors.
The AUA Turpanjian Rural Development Program provides education, funding and consultations to existing and startup businesses in the rural communities of Shirak, Tavush, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Lori, and Ararat provinces of Armenia, as well as in Artsakh and Javakhk (Georgia). The list of eligible communities and eligibility criteria can be found here. The program continues to accept applications for the next round of training.
