SAAH Founder Vahe Vart Gabrache, joined by his family - Huguette Monique and Naida Seta - during the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony held on November 1, 2025, in Gyumri, Armenia. To meet the growing demand for skilled and competitive professionals in Armenia’s hotel and restaurant sectors, the Swiss-Armenian Academy of Hospitality is proud to announce the launch of a new vocational education and training program in hospitality. Developed in partnership with EHL - founded in 1893 as École hôtelière de Lausanne - this program is based on the world-renowned Swiss educational model and is officially licensed by VET by EHL.  This initiative aligns with SAAH’s mission to contribute meaningfully to Armenia’s national strategy for tourism development. By investing in talent and education, SAAH aims to elevate service standards and strengthen the country’s position as a competitive destination in the global hospitality landscape.  A key element of this vision is the Academy’s location at the Grand Hotel Gyumri by Apricot Hotels - one of Armenia’s leading hospitality destinations. This strategic partnership brings to life the Academy’s “Learning by Doing” philosophy, offering students the rare opportunity to train in a fully operational, high-standard hotel environment from day one. The synergy between academic instruction and hands-on experience ensures that students are immersed in the realities of the industry throughout their learning journey.  “The launch of the Swiss-Armenian Academy of Hospitality is more than an educational milestone - it’s a statement of belief in Armenia’s potential. We are building bridges between Swiss excellence and Armenian talent, between global standards and local aspirations. Our mission is to empower young people with the mindset, skills, and discipline to not only serve but to lead - in Armenia and beyond. Gyumri, with its soul, creativity, and resilience, is the perfect birthplace for this vision. From here, we will nurture a new generation of hospitality professionals who will carry the warmth of Armenian culture and the precision of Swiss education into the world.” – indicated  Vahe Gabrache , Founder of the Swiss-Armenian Academy of Hospitality. As Vasken Yacoubian , AGBU Armenia President mentioned “AGBU is proud to be the institutional founding partner of the Swiss-Armenian Academy of Hospitality in Gyumri - a project that fully reflects our mission to invest in Armenia’s human capital. Building on AGBU’s legacy of co-founding transformative institutions like AUA and forming strategic partnerships such as TUMO, this initiative will address a key need in the hospitality sector and help raise service standards nationwide.”   Indeed, the VET by EHL program is designed to serve the hospitality sector by equipping learners with practical, industry-relevant skills. Through the collaboration with Grand Hotel Gyumri, students can immediately apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This immersive approach enhances technical competencies and fosters a deep understanding of guest expectations, operational excellence, and service culture.  Thanks to these partnerships, SAAH is shaping a new generation of hospitality professionals - ready to deliver excellence in Armenia and beyond.  According to  Chef Patrick Ogheard , Dean of the EHL School of Practical Arts: “At its core, hospitality is about service - creating meaningful experiences, caring for others, and building bridges between cultures. It is also a powerful engine for development. By investing in people and professionalization, Armenia is fostering sustainable employment and inclusive regional growth. The Swiss Armenian Academy of Hospitality stands as a strategic pillar in this vision - bridging education with economic impact.” Bringing Swiss Hospitality Standards to Armenia’s Talent   Through its partnership with VET by EHL - the vocational arm of the world’s No. 1 hospitality management school - SAAH offers a flexible, accessible, and engaging learning experience tailored to a wide audience. Open to talents aged 18 and above, the program welcomes both young adults and career changers who aspire to enter or advance within the hospitality industry. Whether starting fresh or building on existing experience, learners are guided through a structured, high-quality training journey.  “ Today we witnessed an event that marks a true turning point - not only for Gyumri but for the entire hospitality industry in Armenia. With the founding of the Swiss-Armenian Academy of Hospitality, we are shaping a new culture - one built on quality, professionalism, and pride. Every student who walks through our doors carries the potential to redefine what Armenian hospitality means to the world. With Swiss excellence, Armenian warmth, and a global outlook, we are ready to set a new standard for the perfection in Armenia’s hospitality sector”, mentioned Khachik Hakobyan , General Manager of the Swiss-Armenian Academy of Hospitality.

Imagine walking into a hotel that feels like a different world. The scent, the lighting, the warmth of the staff - it all flows effortlessly. But that effortless feeling? It’s the result of meticulous planning and leadership. Behind it all is a Hotel Professional : the architect of the guest experience. More Than Management - This is Diplomacy A hotel is a living ecosystem. Restaurants, rooms, events, logistics, people. Running it is like running a city. The person in charge is a leader, diplomat, innovator, and problem-solver - all at once. And in this five-trillion-dollar global industry, professionals who can anticipate guests' needs and personalize their experiences are not just valuable - they're essential. Over 70% of travelers say they’ll pay more for personalized service. The demand is real. The future is now. Your Swiss Passport to the World At SAAH , our Hotel Operations diploma under the VET by EHL program prepares you to lead anywhere in the world. EHL-certified professionals are actively recruited by top hospitality groups - because they graduate with not just skills, but a global standard of excellence. You’ll learn the finance of a CFO, the branding of a marketer, and the empathy of a host. From guest relations to strategic management, you’ll be trained to deliver excellence from check-in to check-out. ✨ Are you ready to design the next great guest experience? Your blueprint begins at SAAH.

Have you ever dined somewhere and remembered more than just the flavors? The perfect service, the ambiance, the way the staff seemed to know what you needed before you asked. That experience wasn’t luck - it was crafted. Welcome to the world of Food & Beverage (F&B) : where hospitality meets creativity and leadership. A Trillion-Dollar Industry That Starts With You The global foodservice market is worth over $3 trillion . From Tokyo rooftops to Parisian cafés and Caribbean resorts, this industry needs professionals who deliver not just meals - but memories. And here’s the truth: being an F&B professional today is a blend of psychology, artistry, and business. You're the storyteller behind every dish, the mood-setter for every celebration, and the strategist behind every successful shift. Swiss Excellence, Armenian Soul Your global journey can begin right here in Gyumri , Armenia. At the Swiss-Armenian Academy of Hospitality (SAAH) , we offer a VET by EHL diploma -  a globally recognized program developed by the legendary EHL Group , founded in 1893. Training at SAAH means joining a tradition of excellence. EHL alumni have earned over 150 Michelin stars -  but beyond the stars is a mindset: precision, empathy, and global vision. Here, you’ll learn how to elevate service into strategy and guest interaction into impact. Ready to Transform Passion Into Profession? Whether you dream of managing a luxury restaurant or opening your own concept, this is your launchpad. With Swiss training, hands-on internships, and access to a global network, the F&B world is yours to shape. ✨ Your future in Food & beverage starts at SAAH. Let the world be your dining room.

What makes a great chef? It’s not just technique - it’s vision. A true culinary artist doesn’t just follow recipes; they create symphonies of flavor. They understand that acidity brightens, texture surprises, and plating is storytelling. Chefs Who Shape Cities Chefs like Massimo Bottura turned their restaurants into global destinations, putting their hometowns on the culinary map. Culinary artistry today is about sustainability, innovation, and leadership. You’re not just making meals - you’re shaping trends, building businesses, and telling cultural stories through food. Your Kitchen, Your Stage A modern chef must master more than taste. From managing teams and sourcing local ingredients to running zero-waste kitchens and designing guest experiences, today’s chefs are also CEOs. At SAAH , we equip you to be both an artist and a strategist. Through our VET by EHL Culinary Arts program , you’ll learn the science behind each technique and the business behind each plate. Whether you're searing scallops or curating menus, you’ll know the why , not just the how . Swiss Precision, Global Impact Our curriculum is built on the Swiss tradition of excellence - disciplined, detailed, and deeply creative. It’s a foundation that prepares you to lead kitchens, open your own restaurants, or become a culinary innovator anywhere in the world. ✨ Are you ready to compose your own culinary masterpiece? Your kitchen symphony starts at SAAH.