Green Rock is pleased to announce Future Hospitality Talks, a dialogue series held within the framework of the Tourism Regional Forum (TRF). Bringing together international hospitality executives, tourism leaders, investors, educators, destination development experts and public sector representatives, the series offers a platform to exchange ideas and explore the opportunities shaping the future of destination development in Armenia.
The inaugural edition takes place in Dilijan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Green Rock’s landmark hotel project—a timely opportunity to explore how strategic investment, international partnerships and local collaboration can become catalysts for sustainable destination development. Through two connected discussions, the program will examine the vision, investment, partnerships, skills and local identity that enable places like Dilijan to compete on a global stage while preserving what makes them unique.
Program Highlights
Talk 1 | From Vision to Destination: Building the Future of Hospitality in Emerging Markets
A fireside conversation exploring how vision, partnerships and strategic investment can transform emerging destinations and create new opportunities for the future of hospitality.
Format: Fireside Conversation
Key Topics:
- What makes emerging destinations attractive for global hospitality investment
- How global hospitality brands evaluate new markets and development opportunities
- The role of vision, leadership and private investment in destination development
- Building successful partnerships between investors, hospitality brands and local stakeholders
- Creating world-class hospitality while preserving local identity
- Dilijan and Armenia’s potential as emerging hospitality destinations
- The future of hospitality and destination development in the region
Speakers:
- Katerina Danekina, Chief Executive Officer, Green Rock
- Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Talk 2 | The Future of Hospitality: Service, Skills and Local Identity in a Competitive Destination
An interactive discussion bringing together hospitality professionals, educators and industry stakeholders to exchange practical perspectives on service quality, talent development and the evolving needs of the hospitality sector.
Format: Interactive Roundtable Discussion & Audience Q&A
Key Topics:
- Changing guest expectations and their implications for hospitality businesses
- Delivering high-quality service while preserving local identity
- Skills, leadership and mindset for the future hospitality workforce
- Building stronger partnerships between education and industry
- Creating opportunities for local entrepreneurship and employment through destination development
Speakers:
- Massimo Bocus, Director of Food and Wine Studies, Florence University of the Arts; Advisory Board Member, Apicius Armenia
- Mekhak Apresyan, President, Armenian Tourism Federation
- Katya Bredikhina, Head, Green Rock Foundation
- Armine Aghajanyan, PhD, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Tourism and Services, Russian-Armenian University (RAU)
- Yvo Van Djik, General Manager, Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan
Moderator:
Mathew Zein, Editor-in-Chief, Life in Armenia Magazine; Executive Director, Tavush Tourism Development Agency
Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Villa3 Community Hub
Address: 3/2 Maxim Gorky Street, Dilijan 3903, Armenia
Organized by Green Rock as part of the Tourism Regional Forum (TRF).
