Georgia’s major investments in tourism was given a boost as the nation hosted the global leadership of the World Tourism Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations (UNWTO), in Tbilisi in September 15-17th.
As the historic crossroad where East meets West, Georgia has always played host to the world’s travelers and global commerce. In recent years, Georgia has soared onto the global radar screen as one of the most desirable tourist locations in the world with over nine million visitors in 2019 alone. As the birthplace of wine, majestic mountains, a remarkable Black Sea coastline and world-renown cuisine, Georgian tourism is on the rebound as a safe global destination after being recognized for its professional handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Gakharia welcomed the delegates and stressed the essential role tourism plays in Georgia’s economy. Gakharia noted that the pandemic has been a setback for tourism around the world, but due to its diligent and careful management of the crisis, Georgia is safely reopening its country once again to global business and tourist travelers.
UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres sent a message to the high-level convention delegates underscoring the role tourism plays as a “force for good” in the world. Gakharia made clear that the Georgian Government will continue to invest heavily in tourism which, along with other strategic global partnerships, remain the central pillars of Georgia’s growing role as a logistics hub and tourist hotspot.
UNWTO General Secretary and fellow Georgian Zurab Pololikashvili presented to Gahkaria the final “Tbilisi Declaration” that reflects the powerful contribution of tourism to the global economy.