YEREVAN, Armenia — On December 9, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the launch of the “100 Monuments” digital platform, funded by the Manoogian Simone Foundation and designed to advance Armenia’s heritage-driven tourism development. This academically verified resource was developed in partnership with the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia.
The platform provides high-quality, research-based insight into Armenia’s significant monuments and honors the intellectual legacy of Professor Gregory Areshian, whose vision was to digitize and render Armenia’s rich material cultural heritage accessible to the world. Though he passed soon after embarking on this project, his plans came to fruition through the efforts of several notable members of the AUA community and the Manoogian Simone Foundation.
Zarmine Zeitountsian, director of the University’s Graduate Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management program, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping Armenia’s evolving touristic trajectory. “These projects transform Professor Areshian’s vision into a practical national resource,” said Zeitountsian.
Following her address, Dr. Vache Gabrielyan, dean of the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics (MSCBE), underscored the vital importance of aligning heritage, innovation, and education in Armenia’s development. Expressing deep appreciation, he highlighted the transformative vision and longstanding commitment of the Manoogian Simone Foundation, whose stewardship continues to elevate Armenia’s cultural and global presence: “Together, these projects reflect a national shift from heritage preservation to heritage-based tourism development — a transformation envisioned and championed by Professor Areshian, whose dedication to education and culture has made initiatives like this possible.”
Dr. Gabrielyan additionally extended gratitude to Christine Simone, president of the Foundation for her generous support and paid tribute to the legacy of Professor Areshian, whose scholarly contributions continue to guide AUA’s work in heritage-centered research.
Held in Manoogian Hall (PAB), the event brought together experts and leaders from academia, culture, tourism, and technology and guided the audience through the platform’s features and database. Among the key contributors were Zeitountsian, Dr. Gabrielyan, and Dr. Arsen Bobokhyan, director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, alongside AUA’s graduate capstone students, who presented their research on the development of tourism in Tavush.
The program also unveiled the new trilingual audio guide for the Amberd Fortress, an immersive storytelling tool designed to enrich the visitor experience at one of Armenia’s most iconic historical sites. Through engaging narration and historical context, the audio guide enhances cultural appreciation and modernizes the interpretation of heritage for both local and international audiences.
Another highlight was the presentation by students in AUA’s Master of Science in Management and Analytics program, who showcased their data-driven research on tourism potential in the Tavush region. Their findings offered valuable insights into visitor behavior, regional development opportunities, and evidence-based strategies for sustainable tourism growth. The discussion underscored the broader relevance of such research for the tourism industry and its stakeholders. “The Capstone projects demonstrated how AUA students transform data into strategic insights,” said Dr. Gabrielyan.
The event concluded with an open conversation on the significance of these initiatives for Armenia’s tourism future, followed by a media Q&A session. Through the integration of digital innovation, academic excellence, and collaborative partnerships, AUA reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Armenia’s approach to tourism — from passive preservation to active, heritage-based development.
The two-semester Graduate Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management (GCTHM) offered by the Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics provides students with specialized knowledge and skills in tourism and hospitality management. The Program responds to the increasing demand for industry experts and aims to graduate professionals ready to assume leadership positions in hotel and hospitality management. Students in the GCTHM Program acquire specialized industry knowledge, advanced business acumen, entrepreneurial and strategic management skills.
Media Coverage
[24.7 News Armenia] 24-25 հազար հուշարձան ունենք, բայց գիտենք միայն 50-60-ը
[Armenian Public TV] 100 հուշարձան՝ մեկ թվային հարթակում
