AUA Open Education Launches ‘Top Hotel 2021’ Project in Shirak

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GYUMRI, Armenia — On April 29, 2021, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Open Education made a presentation on the launch of the “Top Hotel 2021” project. Attending the event were representatives of the tourism and hospitality sector of the Shirak region. AUA Open Education is implementing the project in collaboration with the Shirak Regional Administration and aims to contribute to the development of the tourism and hospitality industry in the region. Through this initiative, AUA Open Education will assist local hotels, B&Bs, and guest houses to conform with international standards of service, food and beverage quality, and improved guest experience. 

An international hotel audit will be conducted of all hotels, B&Bs, and guest houses in the Shirak region. Those institutions that pass the audit and conform to international standards will receive the “Top Hotel 2021” certificate and badge denoting their recognition as such by the Shirak Regional Administration. If they do not correspond to the established standards, AUA Open Education Hospitality Consultant Varant Topalian will provide relevant training and mentoring, as well as counsel them on how to close existing gaps and what cosmetic renovations will help them pass the audit and get certified.

“‘Top Hotel 2021’ is an initiative that we hope to implement in all the regions of Armenia. It is wonderful to start it from Shirak where the Regional Administration and the Governor’s office have been very supportive and instrumental in launching this initiative. Through AUA Open Education capacity-building activities, hotels will be able to receive the ‘Top Hotel 2021’ merit badge that will support tourists to make the best choice and the industry to deliver the best quality. This will bring confidence on both ends of the hospitality industry. I truly can’t wait to see the results,” remarks Director of AUA Open Education Loucine Hayes.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.