On September 13, at 06:44, the Crisis Management Center of the Tavush Regional Rescue Department received a report that a guesthouse was on fire near the Dilijan Medical Center.

Two fire-rescue crews from the Regional Rescue Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Rescue Service were dispatched to the scene.

It was found that the fire had broken out on the roof of a restaurant complex on Sayat-Nova Street, covering about 200 square meters.

The fire was localized at 07:50 and fully extinguished at 09:09. Approximately 25 square meters of the roof and 25 square meters of the attic were burned.

Rescuers carried out cleanup work on the roof structures. The spread of the fire to the restaurant was prevented.

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.

On August 30, at 16:02, the Crisis Management Center of the Tavush Regional Rescue Department received an alert that a traffic accident had occurred at the beginning of the Dilijan bends, with casualties reported.

A firefighting-rescue unit and an operational team from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Rescue Service’s regional department were dispatched to the scene.

It was found that on Kamo Street, vehicles of the brands “Toyota” and “Hyundai” had collided.

Before the rescuers arrived, the driver and six passengers of the “Toyota” had already been removed from the vehicle and transported to a medical center.

Rescuers transported the driver of the “Hyundai” to a medical center, while two more passengers were hospitalized by an ambulance.

The rescuers disconnected the vehicles from the power supply, closed the gas cylinder valves, and carried out road cleaning operations.

Dozens of young people gathered from different regions of Armenia and Javakhk are these days sharing together the most interesting episodes of their summer memories. They are participating in the five-day “Project Camp” of the “Children in the Regions” organization, which has brought together active and initiative teenagers aged 14–18. One of the camp days was entirely held in Dilijan, in the area of the “Green Rock” Foundation; the foundation has joined the initiative as a partner.

“We have hosted the youth of the ‘Children of the Regions in the Regions’ organization. I am glad to conduct for them an interesting and interactive class on the topics of resource allocation, project planning, and assessment of priorities. For the foundation, the discovery of talents is important, and we make many investments directed at the development and activation of young people. By educating and developing the youth, we want to help them to become builders of a sustainable and good future,” noted Katya Bredikhina, director of the “Green Rock” Foundation and head of the “Apicius Armenia” project.

The agenda of the camp is multifaceted. In the mornings – thematic discussions and value-based conversations, and after noon the participants delve into project work, trying in small groups to develop solutions for existing problems.

After the end of the classes begins the time of team games and active recreation – with hiking, horse riding, and direct interaction with nature. By the end of the camp, the participants will be ready to present six community projects, which are to be implemented precisely in the regions – with the ideas of the children and their direct participation.

On August 21, in Dilijan, a staff exercise was held on the topic “Organization of the protection of the population in case of landslide activation in the Haghartsin settlement of Tavush province of the Republic of Armenia.”

The purpose of the exercise was to test and improve the skills and capabilities of the responsible bodies in responding and implementing actions in case of a landslide, as well as to check the realism of the organization of response foreseen by the “Plan of protection of the population in emergency situations of Tavush province.”*

The exercise was attended by the Population protection and disaster risk reduction department of the Rescue Service of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Tavush Regional Rescue Department, and the staff of the Dilijan Municipality.

In the Republic of Armenia, 2,504 landslide sites with an area of 2 hectares and more have been identified, of which 525 are in Tavush Province. In 9 settlements of the province – Haghartsin, Lchkadzor, Getahovit, Hovk, Vazashen, Achajur, Nerkin Tsaghkavan, Gosh, and Dilijan – activation of landslide phenomena is observed, creating disaster-prone conditions for the population.

Photo by Dilijan Municipality.

Due to ongoing medium-scale repair works in the traffic section of the Dilijan Tunnel, the tunnel will be closed to traffic from 8:00 p.m. on August 21 until 8:00 a.m. on August 23.

Vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 7 tons may bypass the Dilijan Tunnel via the Semyonovka settlement. For vehicles exceeding 7 tons and those with trailers, the road will remain closed. This was reported by the Road Department Foundation.

Starting from August 23, the Dilijan Tunnel will be closed to traffic only during nighttime, from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

The “Green Rock” company in Dilijan announced an Open Doors Day, welcoming sectoral representatives of the community to its office to present the company’s achievements, completed and upcoming programs, which have already begun to impact the development of the region.

“One of our company’s important values is transparency; this is what determined the organization of the Open Doors Day, when we give community members the opportunity to visit our office, get acquainted with our projects, ask all the questions of interest to them, and thereby learn more about the company. One of our primary projects is the multifunctional complex being built in Dilijan, which is aimed at increasing the city’s attractiveness and tourism potential,” noted “Green Rock” Chief Executive Officer Katerina Danekina.

One of the company’s notable projects is the “Apicius” International School of Hospitality, which will soon open its doors. The school specializes in hospitality management, food, wine, and healthcare sectors, and promises to become one of the leading educational centers in the region.

“This September, the ‘Apicius’ International School of Hospitality will begin operating in Armenia; most of the students are already enrolled, but applications will be accepted until August 18. ‘Apicius Armenia’ is one of the projects of the ‘Green Rock’ Foundation. The foundation is engaged in educational, social, and other projects intended for Dilijan and its visitors,” stated Katya Bredikhina, Director of the “Green Rock” Foundation and Head of the “Apicius Armenia” project.

“Green Rock” came to Armenia to contribute to the country’s sustainable development, creating new opportunities in the fields of education, business, the labor market, and community development. All the company’s programs have a unique impact, shaping a green environment and sustainable growth. Dilijan, known for its captivating nature and recreational opportunities, is now also at the center of innovation, education, and new ideas — thanks to such efforts.

On August 12, educational, cultural, interactive and multi-faceted events dedicated to International Youth Day will be held throughout the republic. In Tavush Region, the programs will include sports and cultural events, intellectual game competitions, film screenings, theatrical performances and thematic discussions.

• Noyemberyan – Open-air exhibition and discussion of youth issues (Art School, Koryun 6, 12:00-15:00).
• Berd – Festive event with the participation of a DJ and the Festival of Colors (Children’s Park, 15:00).

Artsvaberd – Series of events (House of Culture, 11:00).

Paravakar – Hike to nature (from the yard of the House of Culture, 12:00).

Nerkin Karmiraghbyur – Yard Camp (Mayrik Park, 17:00).

Movses – Festive Event (Culture House, 12:00).

Verin Tsaghkavan – Event (Village Administration Yard, 11:00).

Verin Karmiraghbyur – Yard Camp (Culture House, 13:00).

Choratan – Yard Camp (Culture House, 17:00-20:00).

• Dilijan

Roundtable discussion on the topic “Hate Speech in Social Networks” (11:00-13:00).

Discussion on the topic “Problems of Youth in Rural Communities” (Aghavnavank, 12:00-14:00).

Joint drawing initiative of children and youth (town square, 16:00).

Film screening (YPK office, 17:30-19:00).

Youth game (YPK office, 19:00-20:15).

Astronomy (city square, 20:15).

• Ijevan

Concert program (House of Culture, 18:00).

Garbage collection with the participation of young people in Azatamut (11:00).

Event-discussion entitled “Youth Wave” (Gandzakar, 12:00).

“Youth Light in Getahovit” musical evening (18:00).

Hike to the sanctuary of Kotrts Yegts (Aygehovit, 11:00).

Meeting with the youth of Achajri and a master class in carpet weaving (House of Culture, 12:00).

The holiday will be accompanied by creative ideas from young people, community activism, and new opportunities for collaboration.

Starting from August 6, during nighttime hours (from 00:00 to 06:00), traffic through the Dilijan tunnel will be closed for all types of transport vehicles.

Medium repair works will be carried out on the roadway of the tunnel. At night, vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of up to 7 tons can bypass the Dilijan Tunnel through the settlement of Semenovka. For vehicles weighing more than 7 tons and vehicles with trailers, this road will be closed at night. This was reported by the “Road Department” Foundation.

During daytime hours, traffic through the tunnel is open. Additional information will be provided regarding the restoration of traffic through the Dilijan Tunnel at night.

At the Dilijan Hovhannes Sharambeyan Art School, the 2024-2025 academic year has been summed up. The traditional graduation exhibition will remain open until September 1, giving visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with the works of the school’s students.

More than 400 students study at the school, of whom 39 successfully graduate this year. Throughout the year, the school’s students have actively participated both in various national and international competitions and festivals, earning certificates of honor, diplomas, and medals. These achievements testify both to the pedagogical potential of the school and to the dedication and hard work of the students.

Even today, the Dilijan Art School continues to remain one of the most important cultural and educational centers of the region, inspiring new generations to live and create through art.