The summer tourist season has ended. Adjara stood out this year having one of the best tourist seasons. The region was overcrowded by both local and foreign tourists. Particularly great interest was observed in Batumi and nearby resorts. Svaneti, Bakuriani and Kakheti also welcomed a large number of visitors. Foreign tourists’ interest in Georgia’s regions has increased that caused a shortage of tourists in Tbilisi this summer.
Chairman of the Association of Restaurateurs Shota Burjanadze says for the Commersant radio program that Georgia has become a must-see place, and foreign tourists spend relatively less time in Tbilisi.
"Today, the purpose of tourists' arrivals in Georgia has changed. Previously, tourists who came to Georgia, spent most of the days in Tbilisi. But today Georgia has become a place that must be seen in its entirety. A person who flies to Tbilisi often moves to the regions. Consequently, tourists spend very few nights in Tbilisi. Apart from that, direct flights to Kutaisi allow arriving tourists to travel throughout Western Georgia. This is definitely very good and boosts the regions development ," says Shota Burjanadze.
"The potential is huge. The country can receive three times more tourists. Of course, in case of the developed infrastructure. But if today we receive a total of 15 million tourists, we’ll face a collapse. The country’s infrastructure should be developed, I mean not only roads and direct flights, but also favorable conditions for tourist travel. A tourist does not have to travel only with a guide but independently as well like in Europe. The first steps are to be taken by the state, the private sector will then get involved," says Shota Burjanadze.
The chairman of the restaurateurs association also summed up the summer season for the restaurant business.
According to Shota Burjanadze, August has traditionally been a difficult month for Tbilisi catering facilities.
September is a busy period, during the harvest, Kakheti is one of the most attractive places for visitors. As for winter resorts, Shota Burjanadze belives that they will be definitely affected by this year's elections.
“Elections will be decisive for the future period, in tems of stability, mood of our partner countries. The demand for winter resorts is very high and we know that winter resorts are one of the most expensive pleasures. In this regard, Georgia is a rich country even though the infrastructure is still partially developed. If we rate it out of 10 points, it will be 3,” Shota Burjanadze notes.
