Border Tech for Travelers: Armenia will roll out automated e-gate systems at border checkpoints alongside biometric passports, with officials inspecting preparations at Zvartnots Airport and a new Migration and Citizenship Service office in Yerevan. Tourism Rules Tighten: Tourism service providers must notify authorities via notifytourism.gov.am, and guides/tour guides must undergo retraining every three years starting Sept 1, with new certification procedures and plans for rating systems. Sevan Weekend Culture: Pashinyan’s Varchafest music festival-competition hits Sevan on Aug 21–22, with fairs, performances and transport from Yerevan by train to the venue. Dilijan Cultural Tourism: “Textile Dialogues” opened in Dilijan, bringing international textile artists and hands-on workshops for kids and teens, aiming to boost cultural tourism and heritage links. Artsakh Heritage in Focus: Booking.com and GetYourGuide are promoting tours to Nagorno-Karabakh’s Shushi/Shusha and Stepanakert/Khankendi, spotlighting restored sites while Ruben Vardanyan remains detained. Travel Economy Watch: A study notes Armenia’s paid leave and public holiday totals, while another report warns Armenia can’t quickly replace Russian tourism demand with other markets.