On October 16, the Wings of Tatev Aerial Tramway marks its 16th anniversary. In its anniversary year, the Armenian project has been nominated for the prestigious World Travel Awards for the fifth time, in the World’s Leading Cable Car Ride category. All four previous nominations resulted in victories: Wings of Tatev won the World Travel Awards in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025. This year, the project has the opportunity to bring the prestigious international award to Armenia for a fifth time. In 2026, Wings of Tatev is competing with cable cars from Brazil, Vietnam, New Zealand and South Africa. Created as part of the Tatev Revival program initiated by Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend, the aerial tramway was launched in 2010 and entered the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway, stretching 5,752 meters. Sixteen years later, it continues to bring visitors from Armenia and around the world to Tatev and to one of Armenia’s most important historical and cultural landmarks — the Tatev Monastery complex. Over the past 16 years, the project has also had a significant impact on tourism development in the region: tourist flows to Syunik have increased 17-fold, private investment has grown 11-fold, and around 40 new guesthouses have opened in Tatev, Goris and nearby communities. Since its launch, Wings of Tatev has welcomed around 1.6 million passengers. Over the years, Tatev has also developed as a destination for cultural and event tourism, hosting various festivals, events and initiatives. For several years, a small souvenir shop has operated at Halidzor station, offering Armenia-themed products as well as Wings of Tatev’s own branded souvenir line. Residents of Armenia and international visitors can support Wings of Tatev and help the project move closer to a fifth victory. To vote: visit the official World Travel Awards website , register using an email address, confirm the email received, click Start Voting , select the World section, select No. 63 — World’s Leading Cable Car Ride 2026 , vote for Wings of Tatev, Armenia . Voting will remain open until October 30, 2026 . The Wings of Tatev Aerial Tramway was built as part of the Tatev Revival program, bringing together the efforts of thousands of philanthropists, builders and volunteers. The program aimed not only to construct the aerial tramway, but also to restore the Tatev Monastery complex, support the socio-economic development of the community and improve local infrastructure. Revenue generated by Wings of Tatev is directed toward the restoration of the Tatev Monastery complex and the development of the Tatev community.