Few businesses can claim a history as long as Armenia’s independence, but Levon Travel is one of the rare exceptions as it is one of the few companies founded back in 1990. When talking about the agency, we can use “the first” word several times. It was not only the first travel agency but also the first American investment in the history of independent Armenia.
This year, the Yerevan office of Levon Travel celebrates its 35th anniversary. The agency is even older than independent Armenia, and like the country, Levon Travel has formed its unique history setting new standards in the tourism market.
Garbis Titizian, the Armenian American founder of Levon Travel first came to Armenia in 1989 at the invitation of popular actor Hrant Tokhatyan. Inspired by his visit, he made the pivotal decision to stay and dedicate himself to building and developing Armenia’s tourism industry.
“I first came to Armenia in 1989 at Hrant’s invitation. Despite the country’s challenging times, I fell in love with Armenia and decided to stay,” Titizian said. “I knew I had to expand my work here and develop a tourism industry that didn’t yet exist in Armenia. It was quite a challenge. Imagine there were even no laws allowing a person to purchase office space. I had to wait for the newly established parliament to pass legislation before I could own an office.”
According to Anahit Papazyan, who has been the director of Levon Travel’s Yerevan office for over 25 years, the agency’s employees faced numerous challenges in the early days. At the time, there was little understanding of what a travel agency actually did.
“Levon Travel began its journey in a small rented room at Ani Hotel,” former director Anahit Papazyan recalled. “We had to learn the business from scratch, navigating challenging conditions without a proper booking system.”
The office finally opened in 1991 on the first floor of a residential building on Sayat Nova Street and has been operating there so far. By the way, the Yerevan residents still call it the “Levon Travel building”.
Opening an agency in the turbulent Armenia of the early 1990s was a significant move. Moreover, Levon Travel was not only a pioneer in Armenia’s tourism industry but also the first U.S. investment in the newly independent Republic of Armenia, serving as a vital bridge between Armenia and the rest of the world.
Garbis Titizian was formally invited to Armenia to serve as the state minister’s advisor on aviation issues. He played a key role in linking Armenia to the international reservation system.
Since 1995, Levon Travel’s Yerevan office has served as the main agent for Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) in Armenia. In 1997, the agency also became the official representative of British Airways in Armenia.
“So, despite the challenges, we built our office and established our tourism business entirely from the ground up,” Papazyan added.
The agency has thrived for over 30 years, maintaining its quality and leading a position in the travel industry. Levon Travel has many clients at international organizations like the UN, embassies, and large local and international businesses.
The agency’s philosophy is built on a professional and personalized approach, ensuring that clients receive high-quality service and genuine care which turns them into lifelong friends.
“Levon Travel clients do not just get services but experience hospitality. The goal is to maintain and expand this, setting a new benchmark in Armenia’s tourism sector,” Managing Director Tsovinar Martirosyan said.
One of the key strengths is organizing group travel, particularly for international visitors. The clients include Armenians living in different countries. For example, large school groups from the United States striving to reconnect with their roots and Armenian heritage. One of the agency’s goals is to make Armenia attractive to clients from foreign countries both in terms of tourism and business.
“As we approach our 35th anniversary we are happy to reflect on our journey and are excited for what lies ahead. Our mission remains the same — to provide exceptional service, ensuring that every journey is not just a trip but a meaningful experience. We are happy to have a dedicated team, loyal clients, and trusted partners. It’s with their support that we continue delivering high-quality services and look to the future with optimism,” Tsovinar Martirosyan resumed.
