YEREVAN, JULY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Following almost 2 years of negotiations, U.S.-based Bedian International in cooperation with Hilton Hotels Corporation will build a 3 star hotel Hilton Garden Inn and an exhibition center in Yerevan. The construction work will begin in 2010 and last 2.5-3 years. Bedian International's Founder and President Gary Bedian said at the July 14 press conference that their company has already purchased a 2-ha area near Yerevan-Zvartnots Airport highway. According to him, the hotel will have 202 rooms, 40 apartments with kitchens for those who plan a long stay, a restaurant for 150 people, a banquet hall, conference rooms, swimming pools, and a gym. The daily payment for a room will make 150-200 USD in the holiday season and 120-150 USD in other months. The exhibition center to be constructed under a joint project with the RA Chamber of Commerce and Industry will occupy an area of about 3,500 square meters. The construction of the hotel and exhibition center will cost 25-30 million USD. 5 million USD has already been invested. According to the Diasporan Armenian businessman, they envisage receiving 3-4 million USD from the OPEC and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). He expressed confidence that the opening of the hotel and expo center will contribute to the development of the Armenian economy, which will enable to promote international tourism in the country. G. Bedian announced their intention to construct such a hotel in Gyumri as well.

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