Wednesday, October 4, 2017

"Forbes": Georgia's Tourism Strategy is Starting to Pay Off

by Stephan Rabimov

04.10.2017. Georgia takes its tourism seriously, very seriously. Just ask Jesper Black. When the Dutch tourist landed at Tbilisi International Airport becoming the country’s six millionth visitor in 2016 he was whisked away in a Mercedes sedan for a red carpet welcome and private dinner with Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. The agency behind the campaign to mark the country’s milestone even created a website for Georgians to vote on which national dish should be served to the six millionth tourist, khinkali dumplings or chkmeruli chicken?

Clearly having jumped from 2.8 million visitors in 2011 to six million in 2016 is a big deal in this former Soviet Republic situated between Europe, Russia and the Middle East. And suddenly it feels as if it’s on every traveler’s radar. In 2015, Georgia ranked 25th on the New York Times’ 52 Places to Go. New flight routes have launched from cities around Europe and this year Georgia made Conde Nast Traveler’s list of hottest upcoming wine destinations.

Friday, September 8, 2017

"The Telegraph" (UK): Casinos, craft beer and holy caves – is this Europe's most surprising country?

by  Liz Dodd

08.09.2017. Georgia’s splendid food, breathtaking nature and rich culture have long made it a sought-after destination for adventurous travellers. But the country - which this year opened up to British travellers with new direct flights from Gatwick to the capital Tbilisi (courtesy of Georgian Airways) - has far more to offer than khachapuri and red wine. Thriving amidst its Orthodox Christian cathedrals and farmsteads is a culture of gourmet coffee, clubbing and casinos. Where else could you dance the night away in a Soviet-era sewing factory, then recover on a tropical beach or in a cool mountain cave town? Here are seven surprising reasons you should go to Georgia.

1. You can visit Europe's most zany seaside town

Georgia’s Black Sea coast enjoys a bizarre, subtropical microclimate that feels more like Bali than Belarus. The best place to soak it all in is Batumi, an enticingly zany seaside town where casinos and skyscrapers - one with a Ferris Wheel stuck to the front - pop up in the middle of its lovingly renovated 19th-century boulevards. Just outside town the Botanical Gardens carpet the hillside with palm trees and plants from South America, Mexico and south-east Asia. In summer it can be suffocatingly humid and thunderstorms are frequent, so pack a raincoat alongside your swimwear.

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Georgian Tourism Administration awarded for best marketing in Korea

06.06.2017. Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) has received the Best Tourism Marketing Award at the 32nd Korea World Travel Fair.

This is to certify that the above organisation is honoured with the best tourism marketing award of the 32nd Korea World Travel Fair at COEX from June 1 to June 4, 2017 for its great contribution to the tourism industry development with positive PR and marketing,” reads the certification given to the GNTA.

Together with the GNTA three Georgian travel agencies – Georgia Travel Group, VisitGeorgia and GeorgiCa Travel – participated in the fair as well.

The Embassy of Georgia in the Republic of Korea provided the Georgian delegation with administrative and logistical assistance.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Maya Sidamonidze: "The country has a huge tourism potential but its fifth is not used"

16.05.2017. Georgia's tourism industry is facing many challenges including education, staff, infrastructure, communication problems (electricity, water), - Maya  Sidamonidze, former chairperson of the National Tourism Agency, said in the air of  radio Commersant.

As Sidamonidze explains, these problems must be solved gradually in order investors to become more interested in investing in the region.

According to Sidamonidze, it is also important to diversify the attractiveness of regions as there are regions that work well on the season, but there are regions which potential is not used.

"There is a huge potential in Racha, Guria, there are many regions where tourism business can’t be developed   because of lack of infrastructure. There is a great tourist potential in the country, but its fifth is not used, " Sidamonidze believes.

In her words, the private business faces  problems concerning taxes.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Vogue's 5 reasons to explore Georgia

12.04.2017 (Hvino News). A leading American lifestyle magazine Vogue published the article entitled  "5 Reasons to Explore the Mountains of Georgia". Written by Jennifer Murphy, the article outlines some of the most attractive touristic features of today's Georgia.

"Georgians, a proud, gregarious, food-and-wine-obsessed people, may be the world’s most welcoming hosts. The Tbilisi airport even greets visitors with a Wi-Fi network named “TBILISILOVESYOU,” - the article reads.

Apart from usual touristic musts like khachapuri and chacha, Jennifer Murphy pays attention to other important attractions, for example competitive prices for heli-skiing or paragliding. "Heli-skiing tops many adventure enthusiasts’ bucket lists, but to hire a chopper in powder meccas like Alaska, Japan, and the Alps can cost a small fortune. The Caucasus Mountains offer big lines and untouched terrain at half the heli-price tag ($160 per person compared to $390 in Switzerland)."

"The mountain regions of Georgia offer endless adventures, from ice climbing and white water rafting, to mountain biking and mountaineering. For an adrenaline rush without much physical effort, try paragliding. ... In winter, ride the chair lift alongside skiers and soar through the clouds, high above snow-capped peaks, getting the ultimate view of the region before landing right on the slopes.

Read the full Vogue article here.

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Thursday, April 6, 2017

Record number of tourists observed in 2016 in Georgia

05.04.2017. Tourism incomes have exceeded USD 2 billion, - Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has said while delivering his speech at the UN World Tourism Organization Mountainous resorts third conference.

According to the Georgian Prime Minister, the number of international visitors in Georgia has significantly increased as a result of the consistent and gradual approaches by the government.

‘In 2016 Georgia observed a record number of tourists, reaching 6.3 million. The tourist incomes have exceeded 2 billion USD. The newly-established visa-free travel represents the most important achievement for Georgian citizens that will further deepen and encourage contacts, business relations and tourism,‘ - Giorgi Kvirikashvili has said.


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Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Largest low-coster Ryanair to launch service in Georgia

15.03.2017 (Hvino News). The information about Ireland's Ryanair entering Georgian market has been confirmed. Tbilisi already appeared in the codes of airline's airports which means that the company will make an announcement in the near future and start operating flights to Tbilisi.

It was already discussed last year that Ryanair was going to start operating flights in Georgia. Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili met with commercial director of Ryanair David O’Brien. It was noted at the meeting that the interest of low-budget airlines for Georgia has increased due to the large amount of tourists, business environment in the country and visa liberalization process which allows Georgian citizens to travel visa-free to Schengen Area.

Davit O’Brien explained that airline would examine the infrastructure of Kutaisi International Airport and consider the possibilities of operating flights. He said that he believed negotiations with Georgian government would have a positive result.

Ryanair is a low-cost airline headquartered in Swords, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland, with its primary operational bases at Dublin and London Stansted Airports. In 2016, Ryanair was both the largest European airline by scheduled passengers carried, and the busiest international airline by passenger numbers.

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Friday, February 10, 2017

‘Discount Week’ starts in Georgia

10.02.2017 Both domestic and international travelers can check out special offers this week for some of the best travel deals for a 2017 Georgia getaway.

Travellers will be able to enjoy discounts starting from 25 percent on bookings at more than 20 hotels in Georgia’s wine region Kakheti starting from February 8.

During ‘Discount Week’ – which is organised by the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) – Kakheti will welcome tourists seeking great vacation deals. Kakheti will be the first region to implement ‘Discount Week’, with regions across Georgia following with a similar event later on.

The main purpose of the initiative is to attract tourists to various destinations in Georgia during the off season.
The GNTA has already invited hotels to submit their letters of interest.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

"Forbes" features Georgia in its "Top Underrated Wine Regions To Visit"

17.01.2017 (Hvino News).  Leading American business magazine  Forbes in its lifestyle section recently published article The Top 12 Underrated Wine Regions To Visit In 2017: A Month-By-Month Guide.

"After spending most of my year in vineyards around the world, I compiled this month-to-month guide identifying the new frontiers of enotourism", - author Lauren Mowery writes in her preface.

The Top 12 Underrated Wine Regions To Visit In 2017 features Georgia's Kakheti region as follows:
Kakheti, Georgia. Within wine circles and, increasingly, mainstream travel media, the word on Georgia as a vinous destination has spread. Yet few have actually made the trek to this country bordering Armenia and Turkey. Translation: villages remain authentically charming, the countryside still a peaceful refuge and the unique winemaking traditions endure intact. Kakheti, nestled at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, is the main region, known for fermenting wine underground in terra-cotta jars called qvevri. A delicious food culture sweetens the incentive to visit.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Georgia witnesses 7.6% tourist growth in 2016

by David Thompson

06.01.2017. The head of Georgia’s National Tourism Administration, Giorgi Chogovadze, revealed 6,350,825 international visitors arrived in Georgia last year, which is 449,731 more than the year previous, according to local media.

The largest number of tourists is reported to come from Azerbaijan (1,523,075, an increase of 9.3%)

Second place is Armenia (1,496,246, an increase of 1.9%) followed by Turkey (1,254,089 – a decreased of 9.9% from last year).

In fourth place was Russia with 1,037,564 tourists visiting Georgia in 2016, a full 12% more than in 2015.

Visits from Ukraine increased by 21.8%, amounting to 172,631 people.

The latest data indicates year-on-year visitors from Europe also show positive signs; with the total number of travellers from Lithuania, Latvia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Germany all significantly increasing.

“A exceptional increase in tourism was observed from the following countries: Iran (+485%), India (+ 199%), Saudi Arabia (+ 116%), the Philippines (+ 89%), Oman (+ 75%), and China (+46%),” Chogovadze said.

Income from international tourism was also reported to have increased, amounting to USD 1.7 billion in three quarters of 2016, representing $ 177 million more than figures from the previous year.

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Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Hilton expands European Capital City presence to Tbilisi

20.12.2016 (Hvino News). Hilton is to introduce its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to the capital of Georgia with the signing of a management agreement with Granat LLC. The 206-guest room Hilton Tbilisi is set to open in early 2019. The building’s historic façade will be preserved as part of the design, while a striking glass roof will be constructed on top of the building and will house the hotel’s rooftop bar and spa.

“Hilton Tbilisi joins a robust portfolio of Hilton Hotels & Resorts either trading or in development across 30 European capitals, underscoring our regional strategy to expand into more Eastern European cities,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President of Development, EMEA, Hilton. “Tbilisi’s diverse economy, with substantial international infrastructure investment, a burgeoning events calendar and leisure growth, makes the city a promising market to be introducing our flagship brand to.”

Located on Kostrova Street, Hilton Tbilisi will be equidistant between two of the city’s most vibrant and colourful districts. Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, Rustavelli Avenue, three kilometers away and spotted with picturesque architecture, is home to the city’s main cultural, religious and government buildings. Vake, the city’s busy commercial district and the heart of Tbilisi’s developing financial center, can be found the same distance in the opposite direction. Hilton Tbilisi will also be two kilometers from the city’s main train station and 15 kilometers from Tbilisi International Airport.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Zurab Pololikashvili nominated to position of World Tourism Organisation's head

16.11.2016 (Hvino News). Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili nominated Zurab Pololikashvili as Georgia’s candidate for the position of Secretary General  of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2018-2021. Zurab Pololikashvili is Georgian Ambassador Spain, and Permanent Representative to the World Tourism Organisation.

The Prime Minister underlined the UNWTO’s role in the development of tourism, economic growth and in the process of the country’s development. Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted that Zurab Pololikashvili’s background fully meets the eligibility criteria for assuming the most demanding duties of the General Secretary of UNWTO.

The event was attended by representatives of the Georgian Government and the diplomatic corps. Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze  underlined that it is for the first time that Georgia has a real chance to present its candidature for such a high-ranking post.

The Secretary General position at the UNWTO for 2018-2021 will be selected in May 2017 by an Executive Board comprised of 33 nations.

Zurab Pololikashvili for many years has been holding leadership positions both in private and in public sectors. In 2005-2006 he worked as Deputy Foreign Minister; in 2009-2010 he served as Minister of Economic Development.

In September 2016 UNWTO organized its first conference on wine tourism in Georgia.

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Wednesday, November 9, 2016

"Euronews": Boosting the Georgian tourism industry with the help of international stars (video)

09.11.2016. At the World Travel Market 2016 in London, the leading event for the global travel industry, Euronews spoke to George Chogovadze, Head of Administration at the Georgian National Tourism Administration, about the country’s latest campaign in order to make its voice heard in the industry – through inviting major international stars.

This year we have introduced a new project, which is called “Check In Georgia”. This is a program to bring big-name pop stars to make Georgia well known and to make people to travel to Georgia because of these new festivals and events. Next year, we will continue the project with big names from different fields, but we will also continue our marketing campaigns because of the fact that Georgia is a very small country despite this fact we have very diverse regions and experiences that we can offer to the world.


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Saturday, November 5, 2016

Natia Chkhartishvili shares Shilda's ambitious expansion plans

Click to enlarge
05.11.2016 (Hvino News). The London's Mayfair Times magazine in its November issue published an interview with Natia Chkhartishvili focusing on Georgian wine  (click on the scan to enlarge).

Natia is known as founder of successful British jewellery brand Eshvi. Her UK-based family also owns wine and brandy production business under the Shilda brand in Kakheti, Georgia. She is daughter of Vano Chkhartishvili, former minister of  economy and MP of Georgia, who is currently considered as one of Georgia's wealthiest businessmen with estimated wealth of around $100 million.

Noticing the lack of knowledge of Georgian wine internationally, Natia and her family formed
Shilda - "a wine company that aims to help the country’s small, traditional winemakers showcase their wine globally".

Author Reyhaan Day points out that Natia wants to make Georgia – and in particular the wine region of Kakheti – a true international destination.

In her interview entitled "A Fine Vintage" she explains that a series of contemporary buildings surrounding Shilda’s vineyards, including luxury accommodation and a spa, are currently being constructed. "This will be one of the most innovative projects in the Kakheti region", - says Natia.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Rest areas will be developed on Georgia’s all main roads

04.11.2016 (Hvino News). Travel in Georgia will become more comfortable after the country’s National Tourism Administration introduces its plan of opening rest areas along all major thoroughfares across Georgia.

Head of the Georgian Tourism Administration Giorgi Chogovadze revealed the plan in his interview.

Chogovadze said rest stations would be spaced roughly 40 minutes apart on motorways at which drivers and passengers will be able to rest, eat, or refuel.

"According to our plan, on all central road arteries in Georgia there will be such services available,” Chogovadze said.

He added that there were three such road arteries in the country:

  • From Tbilisi to Kakheti in Georgia’s east
  • From Tbilisi to Kazbegi in Georgia’s north
  • From Tbilisi to Georgia’s west

The Head of the Tourism Administration said the scale of such stations might not be as big as the one near Gori in central Georgia, but they all will include toilets and other necessary infrastructure.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Georgia’s PM Kvirikashvili Introduces Tourism Development Fund

06.10.2016. Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili announced at an official presentation Tuesday that the country’s Co-Investment Fund will establish a USD 680 million Tourism Development Fund for eight large-scale projects in Tbilisi, Guria, Ajara and Samegrelo (Megrelia).

Kvirikashvili said he hopes the Fund will mark a major turning point in the development of Georgia’s tourism sector.

"Georgia has a great deal of potential when it comes to promoting the tourism industry. We can’t spare any effort in becoming a distinct destination on the global tourism map…Awareness and interest towards Georgia are growing on a daily basis and setting up the Tourism Development Fund is a very timely step towards achieving this goal,“ Kvirikashvili said.

The Prime Minister also announced that a multifunctional retail and tourism complexes would be constructed near Tbilisi’s central Freedom Square, Sololaki Ridge and Tabor Mountain.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

20% more tourists visit Georgia this year, exceeds 4 million

04.10.2016. Tourism is growing in Georgia and the country is reaping the benefits of billions of dollars coming into the local economy from international tourism.

So far this year almost five million foreign guests have enjoyed the sights and sounds Georgia has to offer.

Today head of Georgia’s National Tourism Administration (GNTA) Giorgi Chogovadze summed up activities of the tourism sector during the first nine months of 2016.

Between January and September 2016 the number of tourists who visited Georgia increased by 19.5 percent, while the number of international travellers had increased by 8.6 percent year-on-year (y/y).

In the first nine months of the year Georgia hosted 4,879,031 international visitors (tourists, transit, other). Of this number 2,156,731 were tourists, said Chogovadze.

Between January and September 2016 the most international visitors came from:

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

France’s Le Figaro to feature article on Georgia’s tourism

20.09.2016. Journalists from French daily Le Figaro are currently taking part in a media tour of Georgia and plan to write 10-page coverage story highlighting Georgia’s tourism potential.

According to Georgia’s tourism board, the journalists will visit sites in Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Borjomi, Vardzia, Akhaltsikhe and the country’s main wine-making region of Kakheti.

The article will appear in Le Figaro in spring 2017.

Le Figaro’s print edition currently has a circulation of 400,000 readers in France, while its online edition has 31 million  monthly readers.

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Wednesday, September 7, 2016

UN to host first conference on wine tourism in Georgia

06.09.2016. For the first edition of a UN-organized conference on wine tourism, leaders will gather in the cradle of winemaking next week to discuss the burgeoning industry and its importance in local heritage.

It's a strategic and significant decision to hold the first edition of the UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in the South Caucasus country of Georgia instead of bigger and more popular wine tourism destinations like France, Italy, Spain or Australia.

By choosing Georgia, organizers are returning to what some experts have described as the birthplace of winemaking.

Evidence of winemaking traditions have been traced back 8,000 years among archeological records found in Georgia, well before reaching Western Europe.

At the conference, experts and industry leaders will discuss the development of a Wine Tourism Prototype, a model that will focus on the integration of wineries in the local cultural, economic, social and environmental heritage.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Georgia and UNWTO to host first Global Conference on Wine Tourism (+ Conference Program)

17.08.2016 (Hvino News). The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Georgian National Tourism Administration will present the 1st UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism to be held in the Kakheti wine region of Georgia from 7-9 September.

See the conference program below.

The Conference will have a unique and dynamic format in which the sessions will take place in different wineries. Expert speakers will provide snapshot presentations to lead the debates which will ensue at each of the tables. Participants will be requested to actively participate in the interactive debates with the expert speakers which will be rotating among the tables. The conclusions of the Conference will be a compilation of all the information debated during each meeting.

“Wine tourism represents a growing segment with immense opportunities to diversify demand. In the case of Georgia, this potential is well-known and we are very pleased to be holding the first UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in the country,” said Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of UNWTO.

Monday, August 15, 2016

PM pledges to develop mountainous tourism in Georgia’s Black Sea region

15.08.2016. Georgia’s Black Sea region Adjara continues to gain popularity for its sea and mountainous places among foreign visitors choosing to spend their holidays in Georgia.

Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, while presenting the majoritarian candidate for the region, announced that the government is working on a plan to turn Adjara into a developed four season tourist destination.

“I am happy to see that the region is full of tourists and visitors. We have a plan and definite intentions for both coastal and mountainous Adjara, aiming to make them even more attractive for tourists,” Kvirikashvili said.

The PM emphasized that the plan includes renovation of new roads leading from seaside areas to the mountainous parts of Adjara, as well as construction and promotion of new European style mountain resorts in the region.

The latest statistics published by the Tourism and Resorts Department of Adjara state that the number of tourists visiting the region during the January-July period increased by 73.35 percent y-o-y to reach 21,500 people. The majority of guests are from Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Israel. The information is based on data provided by tourist information centers.

According the Adjara Tourism Department, most visitors are interested in high-mountainous areas and ecotourism.

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Monday, July 18, 2016

Georgia as a top tourist destination: Behind the scenes

by  Keti Sidamonidze and Ludovic Girod

18.07.2016. Less than four years ago, in 2012 the worldwide known tourist guide Lonely Planet attributed to Georgia a title of top world destination. Afterwards, the US influential magazine New Yorker named Georgia as the place worth visiting in 2015 and, this year, the country has been acknowledged by CNN as one of the best tourist destinations. The growing world’s attention to this pearl of the Caucasian region can be said is primarily driven by the uniqueness of place, constant tourist infrastructure development, effective governmental initiatives, as well as efficient marketing strategy.

The recently published data by the Georgian National Tourism Administration shows that Georgia has experienced significant growth of the number of international arrivals: since 2014 the growth rate has been established at 14% while the worldwide index does not surpass 3.4%. Development of tourist industry has a noteworthy impact upon the economy of the country since its share in GDP amounted to almost 6.8% in 2015. According to some experts of the industry, the potential is still to be exploited better. For example, the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum ranks Georgia at the 71st place among 141 countries. The country has got the lowest score in a sub-index of natural and cultural resources (2.1% and 1.5% out of 7% correspondingly). These pillars concern attractiveness measures to promote natural and cultural World Heritage sites, the percentage of nationally protected areas, the number of large stadiums hosting significant events, the number of international meetings within the country, etc. This information unveils some areas for further performance improvement.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Air Arabia begins services to Batumi

12.07.2016 (Hvino News). Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, touched down in Batumi, the second largest city of Georgia.

The airline operates two weekly flights to the famed Black Sea port city from its primary Sharjah International Airport hub on Thursday and Saturdays at 13:15, arriving at Batumi at 16:40. The return flights are scheduled to leave Batumi International Airport at 17:30 to arrive in Sharjah at 20:50.

A fascinating seaside resort city steeped in history and blessed with abundant natural beauty, Batumi has built a reputation as a safe, affordable destination, helping it find a niche among travelers looking beyond traditional tourist spots. The city’s varied charms include a cluster of classical 19th century edifices dotting its historic Old Town, including museums, monuments, cultural centers, and mosques and cathedrals.
Batumi is equally known for its stunning beaches, parks and squares, and the surge in tourism over the last decade has seen a number of modern buildings, including five-star hotels and resorts from international chains, take their place alongside the historical town that offers a window into Batumi’s rich past.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Georgian Railway deploys Swiss-made double decker trains

30.06.2016  (Hvino Tour News). Swiss Stadler Rail is to supply Georgian Railway with four KISS double-deck electric multiple-units under an €39.6m agreement.

The EMUs are to be delivered between June and September and will be deployed on fast services between Tbilisi and the Black Sea resorts of Batumi, Kobuleti and Ureki. GR said the new rolling stock would improve passenger comfort and help to support tourism. The new trainsets would be fully compliant with European safety standards, and be the first Georgian trainsets to be ‘completely adjusted to the needs of physically disabled persons’, GR added.

Each new train will be able to service about 530 passengers at once and reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h.

Georgian Railway says it has no plans to raise the cost of tickets. At present, a ticket from Tbilisi to Batumi costs 19-26 GEL.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Travel & tourism investments in Georgia to rise by 6.3% in 2016

20.06.2016. Travel & Tourism investment in Georgia in 2015 was GEL 231.7mn, or 3.4% of total investment. The figure is forecasted to rise by 6.3% in 2016. The direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was GEL2,195.9 mn (7.1% of total GDP) in 2015, and is forecast to rise by 5.9% in 2016, and to rise by 6.1% pa, from 2016-2026, to GEL4,212.6 mn (8.4% of total GDP) in 2026.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism, in 2015 Travel & Tourism in Georgia directly supported 100,500 jobs (5.8% of total employment). This is expected to rise by 4.2% in 2016 and rise by 1.8% pa to 125,000 jobs (7.2% of total employment) in 2026. Rochelle Turner is the head of research at “WTTC Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2016 Georgia”.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

New website helps tourists book local guides in Georgia

28.05.2016. A new online platform is being created in Georgia allowing tourists to find and book a guide to lead them to the country’s most beautiful destinations.

The Tourism Development Initiative Society started developing a webpage about two months ago that provides a guide booking service to tourists coming to Georgia.

The organisation’s director Giorgi Kvezereli told Agenda.ge the webpage was still being developed but the guide booking service was already available in Russian and English, and it was proving very popular.

More than 50 local guides were registered on the webpage and "dozens of guides” have already been booked said Kvezereli.

The cost to book a guide per day started at 120 GEL (about $56/€50*).

Our goal is to create an informative online catalogue for foreigners which will give them all the information they need about Georgia’s touristic opportunities. From Georgia’s iconic touristic destinations to the hospitality sector – all information will be available on the webpage,” Kvezereli said.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Chinese airline to perform direct service from Georgia to USA

25.05.2016 (Hvino Tour News).  According to Igor Aptsiauri, first deputy director of the civil aviation agency, Chinese Hualing Group - Georgia’s major investment company - plans to introduce Chinese airline My Way Airlines to Georgia, to perform direct flights to the USA.

My Way Airlines is a new airline that was established in China and that will operate in Georgia. The airline will be incorporated in Georgia, Igor Aptsiauri said.

 “Currently, there is a solution of technical issues and consultations at the expert level. We have already received a notification from the Chinese aviation authorities about the fact that the company will be called My Way Airlines”, Mr. Aptsiauri said.

Dmitry Kumsishvili,  Georgian Economy Minister, announced about appearance  of the new airline in the Georgian civil aviation market.

Hualing intends to bring a new airline to Georgia, which will have two Boing-737s and one Boeing-777. It will operate its flights to Europe and Asia, then, as expected, it will begin direct flights to the U.S.”, he said.

My Way Airlines will have the base in Georgia and employ local residents.

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Friday, May 20, 2016

Tripadvisor and Georgian Tourism Board launch joint campaign

20.05.2016. Georgia’s National Tourism Administration signed a joint advertising agreement on Wednesday with travel web site Tripadvisor.

The campaign will include posts and detailed information about Georgia over the next six months.

Tripadvisor’s marketing manager Chad Shiver arrived in Georgia to discuss the terms of the agreement. Shriver said the web portal would post photos, video and banners about Georgia.

“It is my first time in Georgia, but I appreciated the beauty of Tbilisi, and I am sure the country has great potential to attract tourists from different countries,” said Shiver.

In the first phase, the advertising campaign will target ten countries including Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel, Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Russia. The cost of the campaign amounts to 200,000 GEL (USD 93,000).

Monday, May 16, 2016

World Bank to help Georgia with tourism infrastructure

At Vani Archaeological Museum
16.05.2016 (Hvino News). The World Bank (WB) will allocate Georgia $9 million for the restoration of urban, municipal and tourist infrastructure in Imereti region, Western Georgia, to promote cultural and historical monuments as well as attract tourists.

Financial resources will be allocated for the additional financing of the second project of the regional development, which envisages reconstruction of Vani Archaeological Museum-Reserve and the access road to it, as well as construction of wastewater treatment plant in Tsqaltubo, Western Georgia.

Georgia joined the WB in 1992. During this time, more than 73 projects with a total value of $2.58 billion were financed.

Rehabilitation and development of tourist infrastructure is one of the main areas financed by the WB.

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Friday, April 29, 2016

Kazakh airline to start flights to Batumi

29.04.2016. Kazakh airline SCAT will start flights to Batumi in early June, according to the head of Adjara’s Tourism Department, Mamuka Berdzenishvili.

The number of Kazakh citizens travelling to Georgia in the first quarter of 2016 grew by 21 per cent, which necessitated increased air passenger traffic between the two former Soviet countries.

“For the first time in history, we will have direct flights to/from Kazakhstan. The flights will start from the beginning of June. SCAT Airlines will make flights from Kazakh city Aktau to Batumi,” said Berdzenishvili.

He also said plans are in the works to increase the number of flights to Batumi from Turkey and Belarus.

Established in 1997, SCAT Airlines’ main base is in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. The company's fleet consists of mainly western-owned aircraft and offers services to more than 80 domestic and international air routes.

According to data from the Georgian National Tourism Department, the number of tourists from Kazakhstan in Georgia in the first quarter of 2016 was 6,290, up 27 per cent from the same period last year.

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Friday, April 15, 2016

Tbilisi hosts international tourist exhibition CTF 2016

15.04.2016. Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is hosting the 18th International Tourism Fair of the Silk Road countries Caucasus Tourism Fair (CTF) 2016.

The CTF 2016, dedicated to promoting the revival of Georgian domestic tourism and foreign tourism destinations, is being held from April 14-16 at ExpoGeorgia.

Representatives from 68 tourism operators from eight countries are in Georgia to participate in the exhibition to showcase the attractiveness, sites and cultures of each country.

Georgia’s Economy Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili and head of Georgia's National Tourism Administration (GNTA) Giorgi Chogovadze officially opened the CTF 2016 this morning.