Yerevan /Mediamax/. The world’s longest Wings of Tatev aerial tramway was launched five years ago, on October 16.

Over this period,  430.000 people have used its services; around 90.000 people have become its passengers over the 9 months of 2015.

Before the Wings of Tatev construction, the number of people visiting Tatev was not more than 7.000 people annually.

The ropeway gave an impetus to developing the region. The increase in the number of tourists helped with the development of infrastructures: over the past 5 years, 10 new hotels were opened in Goris. Around 20 B&Bs and other service facilities were built near the monastic complex.

Thanks to Wings of Tatev, new workplaces were opened for the local population, new opportunities were brought up for tourism and agriculture development. Most of 60 employers of the company are locals.

“Tatev became one of the most interesting touristic spots in Armenia thanks to the ropeway and has its unique place in the tour packages. Wings of Tatev also helps the development of the South Corridor, as the tourists going to Tatev stop over Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni and Karahunj and use local services”, said Hayk Tutunjyan, Tatev Revival Project Manager.

On the fifth anniversary of Wings of Tatev, Hayk Tutunjyan awarded certificates to representatives of tour agencies for the contribution in implementation of the program aimed at developing Syunik region, fruitful cooperation and assistance in the development of Tatev tourism destination.

“We also pay attention to implementation of relevant services meeting international standards. International ticket system of SKIDATA, one of the leading companies in the world, was introduced in spring, the online ticket system was launched over the high season, facilitating the process of ticket purchase", - said the Director of Wings of Tatev ropeway Vahe Baghdasaryan. He also noted that training courses are organized regularly for the ropeway staff to improve their professional capacities.

Wings of Tatev ropeway built upon Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation's initiative within Tatev Revival project and is included in the Guinness World Record Book. Not only the length of the ropeway but also the construction period (10 months) are record-breaking.