Georgia-EU: Has Georgia made the grade?

19.12.2014. The European Parliament yesterday ratified the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia. 490 deputies voted for the document, 76 were against, 57 deputies abstained. During the vote in the hall of the European Parliament were the current president of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, and ex-President Mikhail Saakashvili, who has been put on the wanted list in his country.

Economic expert Irakli Lekvinadze said what Georgia expects from the Association except the opening of borders. "This is a very important agreement for us, both politically and, of course, in economic terms. One of the points of the agreement is free trade, and for us this is very important. In the first place, of course, those companies that export their products from Georgia to Europe will benefit: before September 1, they paid customs tariff, from September 1 this tariff does not exist. This will affect those Georgian companies that export wine and various fruit concentrates to the EU, providing additional revenue. This is one of the benefits that we got in Georgia after ratification of the treaty," the expert said.

Georgia to launch e-visa scheme with 102 countries

17.12.2014. Georgia is preparing to launch an electronic visa (e-visa) facility in the near future, allowing tourists from 102 countries the possibility to apply for a Georgian visa in simple steps, say official Tbilisi.

E-visa’s would boost Georgia’s tourism sector and offer hassle-free travel to foreign nationals, in light of the country’s new visa rules which had created "some difficulties” for tourists, believed Giorgi Chogovadze, head of the National Tourism Administration, which is responsible for the tourism sector development in the country.

"The date of the service launch has not yet been defined. However we have to test the traffic of the users that will be able to use the electronic travel authorization scheme,” Chogovadze told industry insiders while presenting his vision and goals for developing the country’s tourism sector.

Chogovadze was confident the government was actively working to correct current deficiencies to simplify issues relating to the new visa regulations, which came into force on September 1, 2014.

Over 300 executives to meet for aviation event

16.12.2014. A decision by United Airports of Georgia to host the Routes Silk Road event for the second year running is largely due to the success of the 2014 event [read more here] and a number of key routes which were negotiated during Routes Silk Road 2014. Air Arabia and Aeroflot commenced new routes from Tbilisi International Airport in October 2014 (to Sharjah and Moscow respectively). Etihad Airways is due to begin flights from Tbilisi to Abu Dhabi in October 2015. Furthermore, UAG is currently in the process of active negotiations with two airlines to begin routes from Kutaisi International Airport.

Routes Silk Road is the route development forum that connects CIS, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia and was held for the first time earlier this year. The event, which will once again take place in the beautiful and historic capital of Georgia, will offer attendees the perfect platform to do business and improve air transport networks to, from and within the region. Over 300 senior level executives from airlines, airports, tourism authorities and other aviation stakeholders are expected to attend to discuss air service development.

Georgian tourism companies join national airline in protest

12.12.2014 (Hvino News). A rally held by Georgian Airways in protest of the unlimited flow of Russian airlines to Georgia, was joined by Georgian tourism companies on December 11. The companies stated that the country lacks regulations that support the local industry.

Georgian Airways released an eight-point list of demands on December 10, out of which only one was met. Two Russian companies Aeroflot and S7 will be able to carry out 10 flights a week instead of 14.

However, Georgia Airways leadership claims that the decision will not solve the problem and insist that all their demands are fulfilled. These include the rejection of the July 8 decree that allows Russian companies to undertake unlimited flights to the Tbilisi-Moscow-Tbilisi route, restoration of flights between the two countries that existed in 2006, negotiations with Russian representatives in Georgia, separation of the National Aviation Agency from the Ministry of Economy and making it a separate entity, hiring qualified staff for the agency and resuming the status of a flagman to Georgian Airways. Otherwise the company threatens to block the airport.

“Georgia’s airport is owned by a Turkish company, while the sky is going to be possessed by Russian companies. There is no space left for Georgian companies,” General Director of Georgian Airways Iase Zautashvili said.

Georgian Airways strike gains momentum

12.12.2014. One of the country’s top tourism agencies is publicly supporting the Georgian Airways strike as airline officials threaten to "paralyze” Tbilisi International Airport if its demands are not met.

The Georgian Airways protest is gaining momentum and has affected flights in and out of Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi.

The founder of one of the top tourism company "All Tours” Maia Mchedlidze said her company and others were in solidarity with the demands of Georgian Airways, who today pledged to ramp up their strike if their demands remained unanswered.

Mchedlidze noted that local tourism companies operated in harsh conditions as there were no regulations to enable them to compete with foreign companies.

"We make charters through Georgian Airways therefore we are dependent on each other,” she said.

"Our problem is that foreign tourism companies are trying to swallow us. Egyptian and Turkish aviation companies are entering Georgia with very low prices, they decrease their prices and we are forced to do the same, which, due to our limited resources, causes great problems for Georgian tourism companies. Their resources however enable them to act like this,” Mchedlidze said.

Georgia, World Bank to work out national tourism development strategy

04.12.2014. The Georgian Ministry of Economy and the National Tourism Administration jointly with the World Bank will begin working over the national tourism development strategy until 2025.

The consultations have been actively conducted for several months. The conference at the Expo Georgia exhibition center was dedicated to this topic. The representatives of the public and private sectors, international organizations and NGOs attended the conference.

The First Deputy Economy Minister Dmitry Kumsishvili delivered speech at the conference. He said that the tourism development is one of the priorities of the Georgian government.

"The income obtained from tourism in the country’s trade turnover amounts to $1.700 billion,” Kumsishvili said. “The work over the further document must be completed in March 2015. We must have a clear vision of the tourism development in Georgia until 2025. Afterwards, we will prepare a five-year action plan to be reconsidered."

A Solimar International representative delivered speech at the conference on behalf of the WB. He spoke about global experience in the field of tourism and tourism development strategies.

"The WB and the International Finance Corporation focused on the entrepreneurship development, the availability of funds, improvement of the investment sphere and the development of the tourism development strategy in Georgia."

Source

Georgian Wine Catalogue

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Georgia is the most popular New Year's destination for Russians among post-Soviet countries

03.12.2014. Tour operators, having in their selection proposals for Georgia and the CIS countries, have concluded that the demand for the New Year holidays here, unlike the vast majority of the areas visited, are resisting significant falls, and in some positions show positive dynamics.

Airzena-Georgian Airways operates seven flights and week between Tbilisi and Moscow, and S7 Airlines and Aeroflot operate 14 in total.

In winter, tourists are most interested in the excursion program, spa treatments and skiing. For outdoor enthusiasts, Georgia has a choice of two ski resorts - Gudauri and Bakuriani.

Source

Georgian Wine Catalogue

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Conference of accessible tourism takes place in Georgia

28.11.2014. The Department of Tourism and Resort of Adjara hosted the second annual international conference on the topic of accessible tourism for economical development and social responsibility in Georgia, Batumi on November 21.

The organizers of the conference pointed out the following aspects: First was the promotion of accessible tourism for social inclusion and economical development in the region. Second was the identification of activities on adaptation of the environment. Additionally, both Georgian and international tourism experts explained that in order for tourism to be successful in the area, the social responsibility of the business sector should be significantly enhanced.

“The conference did not only serve the purpose of finding possible ways to develop accessible tourism in the region, but also to increase social responsibility within society, because it is important for us to make both locals and tourists feel comfortable in Batumi,” said Mamuka Berdzenishvili, the Deputy Head of the Department of Tourism and Resort of Adjara.

Georgia’s new visa policy and its consequences for tourism

25.11.2014. New visa regulations entered into force in Georgia from September, under which visa-free regime with some countries was abolished, including those with which visa regime acted but visa could be obtained at the airport, a full visa regime was introduced.

In the years 2005-2014, Georgia has unilaterally decided to introduce a visa-free entry for citizens of all countries whose GDP is more than Georgia’s - it was established for 121 countries, and first of all - the EU and North America.

For other countries a simplified visa regime was introduced when visitors couldpurchase a visa at the airport, without unnecessary procedures. The liberalization of visa regulations is aimed at the development of tourism and promotion of foreign investors.

As a result of this policy, the number of tourists in Georgia has increased dramatically, which contributed to a sharp and rapid growth of the industry.

According to the International Organization UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, Georgia is recognized as a leader in terms of growth in the number of tourists.

Bio monitoring and environmental tourism in Lagodekhi

by Tatia Megeneishvili

31.10.2014. Head of UNDP in Georgia Niels ScottThe Lagodekhi Protected Area presented its new system of biodiversity monitoring and poach trackingMinister of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia Elguja Khokrishvili and Head of UNDP in Georgia Niels Scott visited  newly opened touristic tracks and souvenir shops The Lagodekhi Protected Area presented its new system of biodiversity monitoring and the tracking of poachers, and first achievements in developing environmental tourism on October 29.

The event was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), local government and environmental organizations, as well as residents of nearby villages.

Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia Elguja Khokrishvili and Head of UNDP in Georgia Niels Scott, visited the newly opened touristic tracks and souvenir shops. They also met with the residents of the villages Gurgeniani and Ninogori who plan to be involved in touristic activities.

As the start-up assistance to the environmental tourism, Khokrishvili and Scott presented a collection of souvenirs to the local shop and five horse saddles to the local residents interested in launching horse riding tours.

ADB presents Georgia as regional hub and gateway to Europe

31.10.2014. An International Investment Forum “Georgia – Regional Hub and Asia’s Gateway to Europe” took place in Tbilisi on October 29-30, jointly organized by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Forum, held at the hotel Radisson Blu Iveria, hosted over 300 guests from diverse sectors and countries, ranging from private, international and domestic companies to large international business associations, including the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia (AmCham Georgia), the largest international business association in Georgia, with up to 160 members.

Irakli Gharibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia, officially opened the Forum saying “Georgia is a rapidly developing democratic country with one of the world’s most attractive business climates, liberal trade, low taxes and strategic location that have turned thr country into the new regional frontier for investment opportunities.”

The PM, in his speech Why Georgia Matters, emphasized Georgia’s role in the region and the importance of the recently signed Association Agreement with the EU, as well as the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area/Agreement (DCFTA), which “opens vast opportunities” for Georgia while turning it into an increasingly important business center in the region.

Tourism and rural development: The case of Tusheti

by Irakli Kochlamazashvili and Adam Pellillo, ISET

24.10.2014. In Georgia, it’s often said that tavisupleba mxolod mtebshia – freedom is only in the mountains. Indeed, the mountains have long shielded the small Georgian nation from much larger invaders, helping it maintain its freedom, as well as its unique culture, language and faith.

Even today, getting into Georgia’s mountains is no easy task. Separated from the ‘mainland’ by the 3,000m high Abano pass, Tusheti, is an excellent case in point. The sheer ‘outworldliness’ of Tusheti, as well as its well-preserved indigenous traditions and architecture, are a powerful motivator for many Georgians and international visitors alike to undertake the bumpy excursion to Omalo (and beyond).

The number of visitors to Tusheti has been growing quite rapidly in recent years, raising an important policy dilemma: what is the “optimal” level of development for this wild region of Georgia? On the one hand, tourism is strengthening the local economy by providing locals with an additional source of income. On the other hand, the arrival of 21 century invaders (in the shape of tourist ‘armies’) will undoubtedly strain the local infrastructure, requiring significant investment in roads, water supply and other utilities. Too much investment may strip Tusheti of its uniqueness. Too little of it may carry risks for health and the environment.

Inside natural wine’s new Eurasian boomtown

Photo: Krzystof Duda

By Alice Feiring

13.10.2014. Over the last decade, the Republic of Georgia—one of the world's oldest winemaking countries—has become an unlikely darling of the natural wine community. Alice Feiring visits the small hilltop town that's become ground zero for the rebirth of traditional Georgian winemaking.

When I told people that I was traveling to Georgia to learn more about their wine, the response was, invariably, a look of confusion. “Are there vineyards near Atlanta?”

“The country of,” I’d say. Then I’d clarify, “Bordered by the Caucasus mountain range, not the Blue Ridge.”

“Really? They make wine there?”

Analogue to booking.com to be created in Georgia

12.10.2014. In the near future, a website similar to an international tourist web portal booking.com will appear in Georgia, which will give visitors the opportunity to book accommodation before arrival in the country.

This initiative belongs to the recently established Georgian Hotel and Restaurant Federation.

Experts welcome the establishment of such an association and believe that it should play the role of mediator between the government and the tourist industry. According to them, in order tourism business to develop successfully, it is necessary to streamline the tax system and labor laws.

"The government should look at private business as a partner and not an enemy or a cash cow. The Hotel and Restaurants should actively work in this direction, "- experts say.

According to the Federation, its function is to be a bridge between the government and the tourist industry - in particular, in their opinion, a classification of hotels and equal attention is required to large branded hotels as well as to small home-like hotels and hostels.

One of the founders of the Association Shalva Alaverdashvili says that there is a need to improve the quality of services in the tourism sector.

Georgia improves visa policy

09.10.2014. Georgia has decided to bring some corrections to its newly amended visa policy in an effort to keep the right balance between the European Union's requirements and liberal approaches.

Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze said the new regulations need some corrections. "Of course, everything new brings certain complications. Not everything can end up as we planned, nevertheless, we know where the weak points are," Panjikidze noted.

The Georgian government has recently amended the law "On the legal status of foreigners and stateless persons", which enacted on September 1. The renewed legislation particularly reduced the period for the foreigners' visa-free stay in the country's territory.

The updated visa regulations enabled Georgia to issue multiple-entry visas with a period of 180 days for the citizens of the countries which apply a visa regime with the South Caucasus country. It also allows the visa holder to stay for a total of 90 days within a period of 180 days in Georgia's territory.

Number of tourists increased by 1% in summer

06.10.2014. This summer (June, July, August), the number of tourists (international travelers staying in Georgia for 24 hours and more) amounted to 892 413 that is 13% (789 958) more than last year's figure. As for international visitors, their number was 1 895 060 in the current year, which is 1% (1 880 515) higher than last summer season (June, July, August) .

In 8 months of 2014, the number of tourists amounted to 1 566 646 (42.5% of the total number, an increase of 12% compared to the same period of the previous year); transit - 698 284 visits (19% of the total number, a 10% decline compared with the previous year's figure); other - 1 420 904 visits (38.5% of the total number, an increase of 0.7% over the same period of the previous year).

In August 2014, the largest number of visitors arrived from Turkey (-5.5%), Azerbaijan (+29%), Armenia (-12,2%), Russia (-7%) and Ukraine (+ 22.9%). Also, the positive trend is maintained in terms of the EU states in January-August, including Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Latvia and the Netherlands (respectively 91%, 40%, 17%, 17%, and 14%), Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan (40%), while fromthe Eastern European countries , for example, Belarus the number of visitors increased by 50%.

Georgia hosts regional tourism service providers

27.09.2014. Georgia hosted a regional group of tourism service providers and representatives of travel agencies from Armenia, Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria visiting Georgia in the framework of the EU funded PIRT (Promoting Innovative Rural Tourism) project on Sept 17-22, 2014.

The project is implemented by Heifer Armenia as a lead partner in cooperation with Heifer Georgia, Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA, Bulgaria), Gumushane National Educational Directorate, a press release said.

The regional group of 37 people consisting of tourism service providers and travel agents were in Georgia on exchange visit to discover the nature and cultural heritage of Georgia, study the potential for further development of rural tourism, as well as learn the specifics of Georgian rural tourism through visiting the sights of in rural areas, including ancient monasteries, museums, eco-cottages, wineries, a horse farm, etc.

Georgia’s tourism potential promoted in Azerbaijan

23.09.2014. Large-scale marketing campaign of Georgia's National Tourism Administration is underway in Azerbaijan.

Ad banners on Georgia have been placed in the central streets of Azerbaijani capital of Baku, and on the trains of Baku Metro. At the same time 30-second videos are being displayed on the monitors throughout the city.

Georgia's sightseeing places are also advertised on the social networking sites.

The marketing campaign in Azerbaijan will continue until December 15. Its goal is to promote Georgia's tourism potential.

Georgia's Tourism Agency told Trend on Sept. 8 that Azerbaijan is one of the priority tourism markets for Georgia.

In recent years, the number of visitors from Azerbaijan has increased significantly. According to stats, during the first eight months of 2014, Georgia was visited by 859,683 visitors from Azerbaijan or 25 percent more than in the same period of 2013.

Azerbaijan ranks second in terms of the number of visitors going to Georgia.

Source

Georgian Wine Catalogue

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