By Maria Asatryan
YEREVAN. -“Tufenkian Historic Yerevan” hotel, the fourth hotel of Tufenkian chain, opened in Yerevan on Friday. Armenian News-NEWS.am presents an interview with famous Armenian-American businessman James Tufenkian.
Mr. Tufenkian, you first came to Armenia in 1993. What changes have been observed in terms of doing business since then? Is it easier to do business here?
The differences are enormous. In 1993 there was a complete chaos in the country. The government organizations were not established. There was no trade with outside, except for chewing gum. That was the character of the environment. Now it is basically an organized system for doing business. It has its rules, its peculiarities. The risk assessment for 1993 and 2013 is night and day.
What made you come to Armenia in 1993 when you were aware of the risks you may be faced with? Was it about patriotism?
All my businesses from the beginning have been about making money, but doing something good to the world. In 1993, I shifted on making money and doing something good in Armenia.
Three hotels of your chain are located in picturesque places. Why did you choose these areas in Armenia?
It was based first on the idea of locating hotels in important tourist areas in the country. So we thought it was Sevan, Dilijan, Lori and Yeghegnadzor along with Yerevan. After the general selection of the region it was a matter of finding spectacular sites. The idea was always to locate the hotels inside the villages.
Which of your projects is most successful: carpet production or hotels?
Obviously, my efforts are mostly in hotel industry right now. I like carpet production, but it just cannot be a business like hotels.
What about the pricing of Tufenkian hotels. Are they available to the locals and foreign tourists?
As for the locals, we are obviously targeting the upper-middle class and up. But they are very attractive for foreigners.
How do you assess interaction between Armenia and Diaspora within last ten years?
I think it is getting better in a lot of ways. I see more people from Diaspora coming and living here. I see the conditions here are becoming more and more attractive for representatives of Diaspora to live here. I always tell Diaspora that it is an atractive country for them.
