Wednesday, October 23, 2013

The third Turkish air-company Atlasjet started flights from Tbilisi International Airport

23.10.2013. The third Turkish air-company Atlasjet started flights in October from Tbilisi International Airport to Istanbul, challenging competitors with its cheapest prices at the moment but the question is whether or not the company is capable and willing to hold prices down in a long-term prospect.

Having watched Georgian market for a year, Atlasjet, the number one private Turkish-based company, decided to start flights from Tbilisi International Airport to Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, one of the major transit airports for the passengers flying to and from Georgia the globe over.
“We have been watching Georgian market for about one year. Considering the growth of the market and prospective growth capacity we have estimated, we decided that we should be on the Georgian market. We are a big tourism group, have 12,000 beds under three different brand names. And we think that it is a good market for cross benefit also in these terms,” President of Atlasjet Murat Ersoy said in the interview to Georgian Journal. According to him, Atlasjet will implement Tbilisi flights from Ataturk Airport with one-way price from EUR 50 including free meals, online check in and 30 kg baggage allowance for EconomiPlus passengers and round-trip tickets starting from EUR159. Business Class one-way prices begin from EUR 150 Euro. Atlasjet started flights on Tbilisi-Istanbul line from 2 flights per week and will implement daily flights starting this November. And as of April 2014, flights on route Antalya-Tbilisi-Antalya [four days a week] will be launched.

Monday, October 21, 2013

"Pegasus" Georgian Representation Predicts 30-40 % Reduction of Passengers in the Election Period

21.10.2013. The airlines surveyed by "Commersant" radio station have different expectations in the election period.“Pegasus'' airline’s Georgian representation predicts a decrease in the flow of passengers during the election period. According to the Head of the representation, government and business agencies are in a waiting mode, as a result, a number of passengers will decrease by 30-40 %.

Levan Elizabarashvili notes that from October 8 “Pegasus“ launched flights from Istanbul to Moscow andthe passengers can fly from Tbilisi to Moscow for 117 Euro. In addition Elizbarashvili says ''Pegasus” continues to expand and after Kutaisi airport will open two branches in Tbilisi.

"Airzena" expects the flow of passengers will further increase for the elections. According to the company's Director, the United Nations Commission has requested "Airzena" to carry the observers. Iase Zautashvili claims that a number of journalists will arrive in Georgia to cover the elections, it’s about the OSCE observers, that excludes the reduction in the flow of passengers. Georgian representations of "LOT" and "Al- Italia" air companies also rule out a decrease in the number of passengers.

FlyGeorgia temporarily suspended flights

21.10.2013. Board of FlyGeorgia decided to suspend flights of this Georgian airline since October 18. As the company said, the decision is caused by ongoing reorganization, which resulted in revocation of the operative certificate.

The management decided not to cut stuff until the renewal of regular flights.

FlyGeorgia, which was registered in May 2011, applied for permission on regular flights in December 2012. The company conducted flights to 10 destinations.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Cultural tour to be held foreign diplomats in Kakheti on October 20-21

20.10.2013. By the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a cultural tour will be held foreign diplomats in Kakheti on October 20-21. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of the event the guests will visit the Telavi Schuchmann Wine factory.

Foreign Minister Maya Panjikidze and Agriculture Minister Shalva Pipia will attend the event. The Ministry of Agriculture, namely the National Agency of Wine will present "Vintage 2013". The agency will provide information on the results of the vintage to the Ambassadors. 

According to the Foreign Ministry, after the "Vintage 2013" presentation, the Ambassadors will visit the Schuchmann Wine Factory and learn about the process of harvest in Georgia. Diplomats are expected to meet with local peasants too.

During the tour the ambassadors will also visit the Lopota lake. They will also attend the Telavi international music festival.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs is going to arrange similar tours for the diplomatic corps in different regions of Georgia in spring and autumn.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Construction of alpine ski resort Tetnuldi to start in next spring

18.10.2013. Regional Development and Infrastructure Ministry informed that construction of alpine ski resort Tetnuldi (Svaneti region) is expected to start in spring 2014, while main part of the works should be completed by the end of the same year.

The Ministry noted that preparatory activity will finish in this December, after which the tender will be announced in order to select a company for construction works.

According to the Ministry, total cost of 6 ropeways amounts to 18 million EUR (VAT exclusive). At that, 2 ropeways are already built, while construction of remained 4 ones costs about 30-32 million lari.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Gudauri Radisson to open this winter

16.10.2013. Radisson hotel will be completed in Gudauri by the end of  the year. Technological Development Fund implementing the project informs that the project cost is 8 million GEL and  the hotel will be able to receive tourists in  the upcoming winter season.

The Fund’s representative states that a lawsuit in relation to this project is being carried out in parallel in court. It’s about the 2 million 600 thousand GEL dispute with the Genesis company, which is constructing the hotel. According to the Fund, company did not fulfill its obligation. The Fund won the court in the first instance but  Genesis appealed the decision in the Court of Appeal.

Source


Saturday, October 12, 2013

11 wine companies to take part in Sighnaghi Festival

12.10.2013 (Hvino News). National Tourism Administration informed that on October 13 Sighnaghi will host wine festival, where 11 wine companies will participate. The companies will exhibit wine made according to "European" technology, while local winemakers of Sighnaghi district will represent wine made according to “peasant tradition”. The festival will also host performances of folk ensembles and a fair of local handcrafts.

Sighnaghi (Signagi) is a town in Georgia's easternmost region of Kakheti, dominated by the production of wine, traditional carpets and Georgian traditional food. Sighnaghi has recently undergone a fundamental reconstruction program and has become an important center of Georgia's tourist industry.

© Hvino News   |  DRINK GEORGIAN!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Interest of foreign tourists to Stalin museum growing

09.10.2013. Georgian Commersant  FM radio was told in the museum of Stalin that  in September 2013 it was visited by 5909 tourists, while in September of 2012 – by 3968. Most of the tourists came from Europe, particularly from Poland and Russia, as well as  Israel, China and Iran.

In 2012, the museum of Stalin was visited by 31 665 people. As the head of the National Tourism Administration George Sigua said,  Stalin is a part of the history and unique tourist attraction.

"There are billions of people in a world for whom Stalin is a historical character  and it should be used for the benefit of the economy of Georgia" - he said.

Source

Monday, October 7, 2013

"Air Caucasus": "Airzena " is engaged in sabotage

07.10.2012. "Airzena" airline goes to the provocations and sabotages the Civil Aviation Agency, " - "Air Caucasus " Director Jemal Khakhutashvili says.

"Airzena" President Tamaz Gaiashvili required the Agency to temporarily close the airport or restrict flights. According to him, the reason for this is the poor condition of the runway.

"You cannot imagine in what condition is  the runway. The airport’s infrastructure causes danger every day and the state of the runway is out of criticism,"- said Gaiashvili.

According to Khakhutashvili,  "Airzena" leadership aims to catch several hares.

"To scare foreign air carriers, to convince them that the flights in Georgia are dangerous, to  force them to stop flying and thus free up the market. Sabotage against the agency - to drive out the professionals and replace them with their ones. This is all well planned, but is unlikely to succeed", - he says.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Georgian tourism promo campaign to start in the Baltics

03.10.2013 (Hvino TOUR News). Georgian National Tourism Administration informed it started an advertising campaign in Baltic States, which aims at promotion of Georgia's tourist potential. Within the campaign, Georgia's opportunities of skiing and wine tourism will be represented on October 2 in Riga and on October 3 in Vilnius. According to 8-month data of the Administration, 3,762 visitors from Lithuania and 4,090 from Latvia have arrived in Georgia this year.

© Hvino TOUR News |  DRINK GEORGIAN! 

Sigua: We will sell Stalin to Chinese tourists

03.10.2013 (Hvino TOUR News). According to the Head of the National Tourism Administration George Sigua,  the share of tourism in Georgia’s GDP increased  by 1%. At present, tourism’s share in total GDP is 7.3%, in 2012  the same index was 6.37%,  Mr. Sigua said, adding that the administration expects this figure to grow even more.

According to  the survey conducted by the administration in  January - July, visitors spent 1.7 billion GEL in  Georgia in 7 months, the average rate of costs per traveler is 613 GEL.

Georgia hosted over three million tourists in the first eight months this year and expects five million by the end of this year. Georgia was ranked as the top country with the fastest tourism inflow rate in Central and Eastern Europe in the six-month report of the World Tourism Organization for the year of 2013 in August.

According to the data of the 8-month statistics, the tourist inflow amounted to 3 568 518 persons that translates into 26% growth, compared to the same period last year.

"Tbilisoba" to be celebrated on October 4-6

03.10.2013 (Hvino TOUR News). Tbilisoba will be held on October 4-6 this year, according to information from Tbilisi City Hall.

Tbilisoba will be opened on October 4 at Jansugh Kakhidze garden with a music band contest. On Gorgasali square the traditional pressing of grapes will be organized. Music performance “Pirosmani” will be staged for children in Abanotubani. Chess and backgammon tournaments, fruit festival, auto show, exhibition of paintings and many other events will be held.

Georgian martial art performance “Shavparosnebi”, pop music concert on Gorgasali square, concerts by the bands “Egari” and “Bani” will be held in Abanotubani. On  October 6th the award ceremony of honorary Tbilisians will be held at the historic museum of Tbilisi (Karvasla).

Tbilisoba is an annual October festival, celebrating the diversity and history of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. It has become an established tradition since 1970-s. The festival features open-air concerts of traditional music and dancing and various cultural events, centered on Old Tbilisi, the historical part of the city.

© Hvino TOUR News   |  DRINK GEORGIAN!

Monday, September 30, 2013

"Drink Georgian!" community is launched for fans and producers

30.09.2013 (Hvino News). "Drink Georgian!" is the simple and catchy slogan of a global community launched recently for the fans of famous Georgian drinks worldwide, as well as for producers, importers and retailers. "Drink Georgian!" (DG!) unites under a single umbrella the Georgian-made wine, spirits, mineral water and soft drinks including the famous lemonades.

The mission of "Drink Georgian!" is to offer a platform for people and businesses to show they are fans of Georgian drinks. People who like Georgian wine, spirits, mineral water and soft drinks can simply “like” the community's Facebook page; while companies, government agencies, mass media and other organizations may also display their logos on the project’s website, to show their support.

DG!'s website also offers a choice of banners with community' logo for free download. The red square buttons are available in Georgian or in English and in various sizes. They may be copied and pasted to any personal or corporate site or blog without limitations, to raise awareness about the "Drink Georgian!" community.

An important marketing advantage of DG! is that it is not directly advocating alcohol consumption. Therefore "Drink Georgian!" is not restricted by laws which impose limits on alcohol advertising, which are in force in some of the world's countries including Russia.

Hvino.com, the initiator of "Drink Georgian!"welcomes cooperation with all organizations, companies, mass media who wish to support the promotion of Georgian products and exports, as well as popularization of Georgian traditional food, drinks, culture, and lifestyle.  Inquiries may be sent to our team at Hvino News / Hvino TOUR News.

© Hvino News   |  DRINK GEORGIAN!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Spanish companies to invest in hotel business

26.09.2013 (Hvino Tour News). Deputy Finance Minister Giorgi Tabuashvili  met with representatives of Spanish investment companies Perfako Group and Metronia. "The companies are interested in investing in the gaming and hotel business. They are interested in business environment that exists in these spheres. During the meeting, they expressed their readiness to consider concrete projects in the near future, together with Georgian partners", - said Giorgi Tabuashvili.

The Deputy Finance Minister introduced the economic situation in the country, the business environment, tax policy, as well as the regulation in the field of hotel and gambling to the guests.

According to Francis Perez, president of Perfako Group, he is very pleased with the meetings held at the ministries of economy and finance.

© HTN (Hvino Tour News)    |   DRINK GEORGIAN!

Friday, September 20, 2013

Pegasus: after Atlasjet's entry, we will decrease prices

20.09.2013. The entry of a new Turkish airline into the Georgian market  will give an incentive to prices  reduction. "Pegasus" expects such results after Atlasjet's entry in the market.

Atlasjet (Atlasjet International Airlines) will launch  daily regular flights to Istanbul starting from October 3.The airline operates domestic scheduled passenger services and regular charter flights to Europe, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates. Managing Director of the company's Georgian representation Samir Khalilov said that they are not a "discounter" company, the airline offers a full-service: food and drinks on board, business - class full service and an unprecedented offer for the Georgian market – a bus  which will bring passengers free of charge to the airport from the city center.

As for the prices, for example, one-way ticket costs 77 Euro while a flight in business- class will cost  177 Euro.

According to Levan Elizbarashvili, the head of the Georgian representation of the Turkish airline "Pegasus" operating on the market,  they will offer lower prices than Atlasjet and the company will not face a  danger of losing passengers.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Hilton Worldwide announces entry into Georgia via Tbilisi and Batumi

13.09.2013 (Hvino Tour News). Hilton Worldwide on September 12th announced the signing of two management agreements which mark its entry into Georgia. Flagship brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts will debut in the coastal city of Batumi in summer 2014, whilst Georgian capital Tbilisi will be the location for a mid-market Hilton Garden Inn property in 2016. The two projects are entirely separate with different partners but jointly represent Hilton's arrival into Georgia.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, "Georgia is a growing business and leisure tourism destination and we are delighted to have reached agreement on two separate deals to bring two new world class hotel brands to the country for the first time. Hilton Worldwide is growing across Eastern Europe and we see significant potential to bring quality, branded accommodation to the region."

Georgia is enjoying a period of sustained economic growth, driven by its production of sustainable energy and inward foreign investment. Representing a frontier between Europe and Asia, it is a key strategic outpost for businesses seeking to expand further east, and thus benefits from significant demand in the meetings and events sector.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

EBRD to fund construction of first Hilton hotel in Georgia

12.09.2013 (Hvino Tour News). EBRD reported that it will allocate loan of $18.7 million for construction of middle-class Hilton Garden Inn in Tbilisi. Concept of the hotel will be developed by Redix Group. 

The project site is located on Chavchavadze Avenue, close to the city center and major corporate demand generators, and would feature 160 rooms, 1900 square meters of retail space and approximately 80 underground parking units.

There are only two international branded hotels in operation in the mid-market segment in Tbilisi and very few in the pipeline. Non-branded mid-market hotels are classified according to the local rating system and the vast majority do not meet international standards. The project will thus improve standards of accommodation and services offered at affordable rates to both leisure and business travelers. 

© HTN (Hvino Tour News)

Monday, September 9, 2013

Russian tourists help Georgia’s recovery

09.09.2013.The years leading up to the August 2008 war between Georgia and Russia saw increasing unrest and a constantly widening rift. In September 1991, the people of Tbilisi in Georgia had already blocked Russian TV and radio signals and had covered or removed signs written in the Russian language. Now, five years after the war is over, Russian troops still patrol in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, two provinces of Georgia.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries are nil, and trade agreements are strained. Despite joining the World Trade Organization, Russia still blocks produce from Georgia completely and disallows commercial travel. However, the southern country has found ways of getting around these restrictions and increased Russian tourist numbers to nearly 500,000 visitors this year.

First, Georgia has removed visa restrictions for Russians who want to visit. Second, they structure their flights as charters and continue to fly from Moscow to Tbilisi two times every day, and from Moscow to Kutaisi, Georgia's second largest city, three times per week. These measures have made Russians the most common people to visit Georgia for pleasure.