ArmInfo. In 2020, VTB Bank (Armenia), in cooperation with the Assembly of Armenians, will launch a multi-currency virtual card for tourists on the Armenia Guide platform. The relevant agreement was signed on September 20 by the Director General - Chairman of the Directorate of VTB Bank (Armenia) Ivan Telegin and Chairman of the Presidium of the Public Council and co-founder of the "Assembly of Armenians" Vahe Yengibaryan.
Stressing the importance of a joint project with the Assembly of Armenians, Ivan Telegin noted that the new product, which is innovative in the Armenian market, will cover a new client segment, particularly in tourism. "We see how actively the flow of tourists is growing in Armenia. In particular, about 2 million tourists visited Armenia this year, and the average high check is about $ 880," he noted.
The head of the bank explained: "The technology embedded in the new product, simple enough and at the same time is completely digital that meets the trends in the banking market. Joint initiative allows you to remotely open a card, identify customer. In addition, in the future there will be an opportunity make the transition from a virtual card to a real one. "
In addition, according to I. Telegin, the card allows you to accumulate bonuses and is a kind of motivational system for customers. "I believe that taking advantage of the time, customers will become regular users of this product. And in the future, a number of services will become cheaper for them, we will provide additional bonuses," he said. From the point of view of conversion, the head of the bank noted that the application will offer a preferential rate of currency conversion, which will save money.
Answering the question of ArmInfo correspondent, I. Telegin noted that the card is replenished quite easily. Funds in online mode can be transferred from any client account to this card account. "We are currently negotiating with payment systems to reduce possible commissions or their complete cancellation in order to facilitate the process of replenishing the card," the banker said. At the same time, he added that the card will be of an international class, with which funds can, if necessary, be returned to the so-called "home account". In general, the new product will allow tourists to more conveniently organize their holidays in Armenia, in particular, find a hotel, restaurant, guide, get information about the country's attractions, museums, galleries, cinemas, organize excursions, and pay for the necessary services. "Today everything is quite uncomfortably arranged. And all the processes necessary for tourists are carried out in different places. Sometimes you can stumble, to put it mildly, low-quality services. Our joint product allows tourists not to lose any time or money. We are absolutely sure that the product And we expect that with the implementation of this project new customers will receive new comfort, "concluded I. Telegin.
In turn, Vahe Yengibaryan emphasized that this initiative, taking into account the extensive client base and the technological effectiveness of VTB Bank, will make it possible to reach the most distant client and stimulate the influx of tourists into Armenia.
It is worth noting that the Armenia Guide mobile application was launched as part of the Armenian Summit of Minds in June 2019. The application shows tourists and locals the most relevant events, interesting routes and the main attractions of the country.
Recall that the Assembly of Armenians is a public organization supporting and implementing social and entrepreneurial projects in the field of culture, education, tourism, innovative technologies and science in Armenia and the diaspora. For the first year of active work, the Assembly launched and supported over 10 projects in the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation.
It should be noted that VTB Bank (Armenia) CJSC became a member of VTB International Financial Group in April 2004. Currently, the second largest VTB Bank in Russia (PJSC) owns 100% of the shares of VTB Bank (Armenia). The Bank traditionally ranks among the leaders of the banking system of the Republic of Armenia in terms of key indicators. In terms of coverage of the branch network, VTB Bank (Armenia) maintains leadership, both in terms of their total number and regional divisions.