Vardavar in Yerevan: Armenia’s water-fight festival returns July 12 (14 weeks after Easter), with main events on Republic Square plus marathon and concerts; locals even soak police, so tourists are advised to waterproof phones and wallets. EU Support for Armenia’s Economy: The European Commission disbursed €34M to Armenia to cushion Russia-linked trade restrictions, with trade facilitation and targeted help for agri-food and flowers; EU Commissioner Marta Kos is set to visit Yerevan July 5. Tourism Investment Push: “Hospitality Investment Forum Yerevan 2026” drew 1,000+ sector leaders, highlighting Armenia’s tourism momentum—about 825,000 visitors in the first five months of 2026—and a focus on small-city tourism. Armenia’s Tourism Growth Signal: Central Bank officials say strong 2026 growth is supported by rising tourism and foreign-currency inflows, even as inflation stays above target. Road Trip Upgrade (Syunik): North-South corridor works advance on the Kajaran–Agarak tunnel as waterproofing is completed and concreting ramps up, promising faster travel through mountainous terrain. Local Travel Logistics: Yerevan’s Kievyan Bridge is closed for major repairs until Aug 29, including waterproofing, joint replacement, new asphalt, and sidewalk works. Vibrant Summer Culture: Chirpan’s 5th International Lavender Festival runs June 20–21, featuring parades, concerts, tastings, and international cultural performances.