Hyatt Hotels has entered a franchise agreement with Green Rock to open Hyatt Regency Dilijan, the first Hyatt Regency-branded property in Armenia.

The signing adds to Hyatt’s expansion across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, extending its premium full-service footprint into what it describes as a “strategically important market”.

The agreement was formally announced at a ground-breaking ceremony in Dilijan, attended by representatives from the Government of Armenia, Hyatt and Green Rock.

Hyatt Regency Dilijan is planned to feature 205 guest rooms and suites, a range of dining options, and family entertainment areas.

It will also include a purpose-built conference centre designed to accommodate more than 550 guests.

The hotel will sit within a wider 462,000ft² mixed-use complex that will also include multiple restaurants and bars, retail outlets and additional family-focused leisure facilities.

Green Rock CEO Katerina Danekina said: “We are excited to bring the Hyatt Regency brand to Dilijan and this announcement marks an exciting milestone for both Green Rock and Armenia.

“Together with Hyatt, we aim to create more than a hotel — we aim to help shape a destination that will attract visitors year-round while supporting tourism, culture and the local community."

The development is expected to generate more than 400 jobs across hospitality, food and beverage, wellness, events, engineering and hotel operations.

Hyatt Middle East and Africa development regional vice-president Ludwig Bouldoukian said: “We look forward to introducing the Hyatt Regency brand to Armenia through this collaboration with Green Rock.

“Dilijan has tremendous long-term potential and the Hyatt Regency brand, with its premium full-service offering, is ideally positioned to support the destination as a leading location for leisure travel, meetings and events."