Georgian tourism sector faces challenges
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Thursday, June 27
To discuss and protest the current challenges of the tourism sector, representatives of the private sector gathered in Kobuleti, one of the most popular Georgian seaside resorts. According to the protesters, the tourist season might not be successful this year, and they are blaming the United National Movement for their problems.
Protesters also demanded long-term and low-interest loans. Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Natia Turnava, and the Chairman of Adjara Autonomous Republic, Tornike Rizhvadze addressed the protesters and listened to their demands.
According to Turnava, the Government will support small business entrepreneurs and will develop an effective plan. As she noted, the world needs to understand that Georgia is a safe country, and the Government of Georgia will do everything to ensure this.
“Georgia is a safe place for tourists, and we are considered as a safe country in the world. First of all, we will strengthen the image of our country and then, financial and organizational issues will be solved,” noted the Minister of Economy.
As Turnava said, the Ministry of Economy is doing everything to keep Russian tourists in Georgia, since it is very important for the private sector. According to her, the decision made by the Russian Federation came as a shock for Georgian tourism, since the season had already started.
After the President of Russia announced this decision, a special campaign, Spend Summer in Georgia was launched by a small group of motivated young people. Diplomatic corps and citizens of different countries used social media to address this situation, calling tourists to spend their summer in Georgia.
As the Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia, H.E. Mr. Ulrik Tidestrom wrote on his personal Twitter page, “Georgia is a stunningly beautiful country with amazing hospitality. A must visit if you haven’t been here. A place to return to if you have.”
The British Ambassador to Georgia Justin McKenzie Smith also tweeted several pictures of his “favorite things” from Georgian culture, with hashtags #VisitGeorgia, #WorldWelcomeToGeorgia, and #SpendSummerInGeorgia
The President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili addressed the leaders of the EU and all Europeans to visit Georgia.
“Between our mountains, beaches, historical sites, food and wine, and hospitality, you’ll have an unforgettable time!” wrote Zourabichvili on her Twitter page.
Information provided by the ÐÁÊ travel services says that the price of flights from Russia to Georgia has increased by a third.
The experts studied the demand for flight tickets from Russian cities to Georgia and found that the price of tickets increased by an average of 34%. During July 1-7, the cheapest of tickets was 7 thousand rubles (315 GEL), and transit 9,5 thousand rubles (430 GEL).
President Putin decided to cancel the flights from Russia after the protest in Tbilisi, sparked by a Russian MP giving an address from the Speaker’s seat in the Georgian Parliament. Also, Putin has ordered Russian authorities to provide a safe return of Russian citizens to their country.
The order issued by Putin was titled as “Certain Measures to Ensure the National Security of the Russian Federation and the Protection of Russian Citizens from Criminal and Other Illegal Actions.”