Apicius Armenia International School of Hospitality Opens in Dilijan

The Apicius Armenia International School of Hospitality has opened in Dilijan, bringing to Armenia the flavors of Italian cuisine along with the culture of hospitality, gastronomy, and healthy living. Courses at the international school will be conducted by experienced Italian specialists, who will integrate European standards with Armenia’s local specificities.

“We want to improve the quality of services in the tourism sector, and our international partners will help us achieve this. Through this project, we aim to bring international standards into the Armenian hospitality sphere. Armenians are a wonderful nation; hospitality is ingrained in them at a genetic level. We want to enhance this field by introducing advanced international practices so that anyone visiting Dilijan, regardless of where they come from, will have an excellent experience here. We want the city’s guests to wish to stay longer and, why not, even consider coming to live in Dilijan,” said Katya Bredikhina, Director of the Green Rock Foundation and Head of the Apicius Armenia project.

The parent institution, Apicius Florence International School of Hospitality, has been operating in Florence, Italy, since 1997 and is considered one of the first international hospitality schools in Italy. Each year it welcomes thousands of students from around the world, who return from Florence with a new profession, culture, and mindset. Now this experience is being transferred and localized in Dilijan, giving Armenian students and young people from the region the unique opportunity to receive the same quality education without leaving their hometown.

“I have been working in hospitality education for more than 25 years, and I am convinced that this school and similar institutions create excellent opportunities for passing on knowledge to people and the world. Education here is aligned with international standards. The culinary world is complex and fascinating; there may be challenges, but one must follow the chosen path. This profession is highly valued globally, so if there is a desire, one should move forward,” noted Andrea Trappani, Executive Chef and General Manager of Apicius Florence.

Apicius Armenia is the latest initiative of the Green Rock Foundation, opening the doors of hospitality in Dilijan. It promises to strengthen the local tourism industry, stimulate economic growth, and revalue Armenia’s gastronomic heritage, positioning the country as a benchmark-setting center internationally.

“The first international hospitality school in Armenia is important not only for Dilijan but for the entire country. It will bring international expertise, knowledge, and motivation for professionals, while providing opportunities for teenagers, youth, and adults to study here. We have created the necessary conditions for students to both study and live in Dilijan, integrating into the city’s daily life. We hope this international school will bring positive changes to Dilijan,” emphasized Katerina Danekina, CEO of Green Rock.

From now on, a new generation of hospitality and gastronomy professionals will also be formed in Dilijan. This strengthens Armenia’s position on the global tourism map by preparing specialists whose quality will be recognized worldwide.