The introduction of quotas is highly positive, as it addresses the serious problems Georgia has with tour guides from various countries. This is precisely why our guides are losing their jobs. So, it's important that what was said to be launched as fast as possible, before the season starts,- Keti Meladze, President of the Georgian Association of Guides, states.

In her words, there is no control over the stories foreign guides tell tourists, which is also problematic.

"Georgia is a liberal country, and there was no law before that specified who should conduct tours – a Chinese person, a Pole, a European, or anyone at all. Our requirement also was for guides to have a basic knowledge of Georgian. For example, it's also important for a guide to know Georgian if they're taking tourists into the mountains, because not everyone speaks foreign languages. We think a guide should know Georgian at least at an A1 level," says Keti Meladze.


Note: by order of Irakli Kobakhidze, as of March 1st, foreign citizens without permanent residency will be forbidden from working as couriers, taxi drivers, and tour guides.