In early August, Georgia re-opened its doors as one of the world’s premiere tourist destinations. With airlines from France, Germany and the Baltic states beginning direct service again. Lufthansa, Air France, add other Baltic airline flights have been fully booked by Georgians and pandemic-weary Europeans seeking the food, wine and scenic beauty of Georgia.
As a result of Georgia’s strong handling of the coronavirus pandemic, Georgia was included as one of the 15 “green” countries designated by the European Union and has been labeled “one of the safest destinations” in the world.
Praised for its decisive actions early in the pandemic, the country has been cited by world authorities as a model manager of the pandemic. The government attributes its success to three main factors. First, it followed science and the recommendations of Georgian and world health officials. Second, the government took decisive, early action to close borders, impose a lockdown, ramp up testing and rush vital financial assistance to its small and medium size business. Finally, the heroic efforts of its own people to work in partnership with the government to come together and work to fight and win against the pandemic.
Mariam Kvrivishvili, head of the Georgia National Tourism Agency, noted that, “Hospitality is in the blood of every Georgian. Georgians take their history as a crossroads of civilizations seriously. As a result, our people are the secret to our success in fighting the pandemic and reopening our doors to the world. Georgians love their wine, food and history and take great pride in people visiting their country. They are very happy to see the world returning to Georgia.”
Prior to formally opening the first phase of international tourism, Georgia carefully reopened its business sector on July 1 as a regional transportation hub along with domestic, in-country tourism. According to Kvrivishvili, Georgia’s existing working visitors program for expats seeking to work out of Georgia as their destination of choice is booming. “The phone is ringing off the hook,” she said as many business leaders and employees working remotely as a result of the pandemic are seeking new places to work during this uncertain time. The program allows any global traveler to have a “Home Away from Home,” designed for foreigners who wish to live and work in Georgia as a guest resident, while also enjoying the food, wine and dramatic travel opportunities the country affords.