Apicius Armenia, an international hospitality school, has opened its new building in Dilijan. Built to international standards, the three-story building is equipped with modern facilities designed to train competitive professionals for the hospitality industry.
“When we began shaping our vision for Dilijan’s development, we knew its future had to be about much more than buildings and infrastructure. It had to be about people — creating an environment where talented, purpose-driven young people can learn, grow, and build their futures. That’s exactly why education holds such an important place in our vision. Apicius Armenia brings international experience and knowledge to Armenia, giving young people the opportunity to gain international skills, discover their potential, and build careers in hospitality. Today we are opening a new building, but more importantly, we are opening a new chapter,” said Katerina Danekina, Executive Director of Green Rock Management Group.
Apicius Armenia is the Armenian representation of the Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence. The school has been operating in Dilijan since 2025, launched on the initiative of and with support from the Green Rock Foundation. The school localizes international educational experience, training professionals capable of meeting the demands of Armenia’s rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sector.
“When developing its projects, the Green Rock Foundation always considers the long-term impact. We are implementing a series of well-thought-out cultural, educational, and community projects to ensure comprehensive development for the city of Dilijan. In the same spirit, Apicius is not just a school — it is a complete system that provides students with education, real-world experience, and direct engagement with the local community and residents. Our goal is to prepare professionals ready to work in a real environment from day one and to support Dilijan’s long-term development,” says Katya Bredikhina, Director of the Green Rock Foundation.
Apicius Armenia offers a two-year educational program. Students have the option of continuing their second year in Florence or completing the entire program in Armenia. The results of the first academic year already mark the beginning of international experience: eight students have gone to Florence to continue their education and gain new experience in the field. About 80 percent of the school’s educational process takes place in a real, hands-on working environment, allowing students to gain professional experience while still studying.
This academic year, the school has already enrolled several dozen students from various countries around the world. They are united by their desire to receive professional education in hospitality and to build their future in this field.
The program’s development is part of a broader strategy aimed at the growth of Dilijan and the entire Tavush region. By localizing international educational experience, the initiative seeks to create new opportunities for young people in the region while shaping professionals who can contribute their knowledge and expertise to Tavush’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.
With the opening of the new building, international education opportunities in Dilijan are expanding further, making the city one of the new centers for professional education in the hospitality sector.
