Tatev ropeway is an independent structure today: “In 2014 our incomes and operating expenses have equaled and we began to receive some profits.”

Hayk Tutunjyan, Head of Tatev Revival Project implemented by Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Charitable Foundation, stated this in his interview to Mediamax. He noted that the whole income is directed to the restoration of Tatev Monastery.

“It is obvious that before the launch of Tatev Revival Project and the construction of Tatev ropeway there was quite a different picture in the region in terms of the number of workplaces, social-economic situation and emigration.

Before the opening of the ropeway, only 7-8 thousand people visited the region annually. In recent years about 100 000 people are visiting the ropeway every year, whereas the total number of people visiting Tatev has reached 130 thousand. This, of course, can’t but have a positive impact on the development of the region,” observed Hayk Tutunjyan.

Meanwhile, the head of the project noticed that the ropeway is not functioning to its full capacity yet, but “We strive to increase tourist flows and in order to do so we have various programs aimed at the development of tourist infrastructures in surrounding areas”.

In particular, a development concept and a general plan for the area adjacent to Halidzor station of the ropeway were worked out, which have been approved by the organization. In the nearest future, the concept and the general plan will be discussed with local communities. According to the general plan, a number of new travel services and infrastructures are to be created in the area adjacent to Halidzor station, increasing tourist flows and the average duration of tourists’ visits.

“The program envisages investments, but it’s impossible to talk about them without the government’s support, because there are some infrastructural problems which can be resolved only in case of cooperation between the government and the private sector. Thus it will be possible to attract investments and create new services and workplaces. I should also add that Tatev Revival Project is a successful example of cooperation between the government and the private sector. I hope this cooperation will continue and will contribute to the development of the region, the social-economic growth of communities and the preservation of historical and cultural values,” Hayk Tutunjyan told Mediamax.

It is worth noticing that Base jumping Festival will be held at TaTever ropeway on June 5-10. You can read the full interview on this event, as well as other initiatives realized by Tatev Revival Project here.