Hospitality Investment Forum Yerevan 2025 will be held on June 18, 2025 at Seven Visions Resort and Places, the Dvin, Yerevan.

Banks.am spoke with Karine Musailova, Management Executive of the forum.

- What inspired the creation of this forum and who is the organizer?

- Last year, we held the inaugural edition of the forum, and it became a true starting point. Our aim was not only to highlight Armenia’s investment and tourism potential, but also to initiate an open dialogue on international standards in the hospitality industry – from hotel management and design to guest service and innovation. It gave participants a clearer understanding of where the global market is heading.

The forum is organized by STONE DEVELOPMENT, a company that implements investment projects in commercial and residential real estate. From the outset, our mission has been to move beyond declarations and into action – connecting developers, investors. In 2025, we are building on this foundation with broader international participation and a strong focus on practical solutions.

- What sets this year’s forum apart?

- This forum is not just another industry conference - it is a professional tool. We are creating a space for substantive discussion: real numbers, strategies, risks, and opportunities. The core focus is on investment in hotel infrastructure, new developments, digital solutions and strategic partnerships.

Armenia is actively developing modern infrastructure that meets international standards. This year’s forum will highlight the synergy between global players and local initiatives.

The forum helps not only to exchange experience, but also to strengthen the international integration of Armenian business, improve its position and reputation.

- What topics will the Hospitality Investment Forum Yerevan 2025 cover?

Key focus areas include:

●    Hotel, aparthotel, and urban hospitality development

●    MICE infrastructure and its role in tourism growth

●    Technology and digitalization in hospitality operations

●    Financial instruments and investment models

●    ESG standards, sustainable architecture, and green building certifications

- Who has already confirmed participation?

- The forum is being held under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy of Armenia, Tourism Committee, Union of Banks of Armenia, and the Union of Developers of Armenia, with strong support from intergovernmental and business associations, including the Armenian-French, Armenian-Swiss, and European Business Association.

Among the confirmed speakers and participants are: Gevorg Papoyan, the Minister of Economy of Armenia, Sérgio Guerreiro, Chair of the OECD Tourism Committee, Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh, CEO of JTA International Investment, a global investment firm, the President of the World Tourism Forum Institute, senior representatives from the World Bank, EBRD, and GIZ, officials from the Tourism Committee of Armenia.

We’ve also received confirmations from senior executives of leading international hotel groups - Accor S.A., Hilton Worldwide Holdings, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG), Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group.

Our academic and consulting panels will feature experts from École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) - one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality management schools – and from Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate consultancy specializing in hotel investment and development.

The General Partners of the 2025 Forum already include Myler Resort, a flagship Armenian wellness and sustainable tourism destination, Cushman & Wakefield, TKE (Thyssenkrupp Elevator) – a global leader in smart mobility and vertical transportation for the hospitality sector.

We are also seeing strong interest from investors and development groups in the Middle East and Asia, which confirms Armenia’s growing appeal as a reliable and dynamic entry point for regional hospitality investment.

-  What outcomes are you expecting from the forum?

- Our goal is for the forum to become a real mechanism for action - where presentations turn into negotiations, and discussions turn into partnerships. The program will include presentations of government initiatives and international support mechanisms aimed at stimulating investment in the sector.

We want every participant to leave with a clear understanding that Armenia is a trustworthy, forward-looking destination for hospitality investment – supported by demand, government facilitation, and a strong openness to international expertise.

I would encourage seeing the forum not as a one-day event, but as an investment in professional development and new opportunities. It is a chance to explore the market, receive constructive feedback, build connections, and gain momentum for future growth.

For information about participation in the Hospitality Investment Forum Yerevan 2025, please contact at +374 99 184000, email at info@hospitality-forum.com, or visit LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hif-yerevan.