Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan gave an interview to Forbes, which we present below.
- How do you use “smart city” technologies to modernize the city?
- Over the past two years, Yerevan has made significant progress in the field of digitalization. We have digitized internal operations and established a unified GIS system that enables all levels of government to use real-time, up-to-date spatial data. Through the “Active Citizen” app, residents can immediately report problems, allowing us to map and quickly resolve them. The app already has 16,000 users and continues to grow.
We have also launched the “Yerevan City Services” app, which now offers 14 digital services. By the end of the year, all 150 city services will be available through this app, enabling full access on phones. These tools reflect a people-centered approach aimed at transparency, accountability, and fast service delivery.
- What is your broader strategy for improving urban mobility?
- Public transport in Yerevan has been in poor condition for decades. We have now replaced the old fleet of minibuses with modern Chinese and German buses, as well as new electric trolleybuses capable of operating up to 60 km. One of our most impressive reforms is the introduction of a unified ticketing system. Passengers can now pay cashless with bank cards on the metro, buses, and trolleybuses. A 24/7 center is being developed to control and optimize the flow of transport. This reform marks the most comprehensive transformation of Yerevan’s transport system in the last 40 years.
- How do you position Yerevan as a tourist destination?
- We are positioning Yerevan as one of the most dynamic cultural destinations in the region. We have expanded direct flights with Ryanair and Wizz Air and are adding new routes to cities like Naples and, soon, Madrid, making the city more accessible than ever. Yerevan’s cultural calendar is a real attraction. Wine Days, our most beloved festival, now attracts over 120,000 visitors each year. The Yerevan Ballet Festival and the Golden Apricot Film Festival are world-renowned. The Golden Apricot has hosted famous directors, actors, and cultural icons. This year, open-air performances by the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theaters transformed the city into a world-class stage, with free admission for the public. Jazz Fest is also a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The development of the Kond district and Cascade, as well as a rich wine and cuisine culture, make Yerevan a sophisticated and welcoming tourist destination.
- What steps is the city taking to attract foreign investment?
- Yerevan is entering a phase of large-scale investment. The $2 billion project, designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmot, is considered one of the most significant foreign investment urban development projects in Armenia’s modern history. It will be located on an unused site near the city and will include a financial and business center, apartments, green spaces, and a redeveloped Yerevan Lake. Ahead of the groundbreaking in the city center, we are pushing forward with the long-awaited completion of another Wilmot-designed landmark, the Cascade, which will add a contemporary art museum and a 1,000-seat concert hall with views of Mount Ararat. Another major project, the revitalization of the Old City in Kond, will transform Yerevan’s oldest district, dating back to the 17th century, into an entertainment and lifestyle hub that combines cultural heritage preservation with modern conveniences.
- What is your long-term vision for Yerevan by 2030?
- Our goal is to make Yerevan “a city for people,” where both children and older people can live in dignity and with equal opportunities. We are eliminating the chaotic construction of the post-Soviet years, dismantling illegal structures, and restoring green spaces. More than 120 yards and 10 kindergartens have already been renovated, and new ones are in progress. In the future, we will fully incorporate sustainability, including green infrastructure, energy-efficient schools, and innovative mobility. By 2030, Yerevan will be modern, green, digitalized, and people-centered.
- What can visitors expect when coming to Yerevan?
- First of all, visitors will feel the warmth of our people. Yerevan is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, with a rich cultural and historical landscape that includes artifacts dating back to before the Roman era. At the same time, it is a modern city, full of life, music, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant street culture. You can visit ancient monasteries in the morning, and enjoy high-quality wine and food in the evening. Our hospitality is unparalleled, and this is immediately noticed by all visitors, regardless of origin.
