President Zurabishvili joins in #SpendYourSummerinGeorgia campaign
Georgia's Black Sea town of Batumi received the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’ at the World Travel Awards ceremony held in Madeira, Portugal in June, 2019. Photo: Visit Batumi/Facebook
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Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has shared a video address calling on people to visit Georgia this summer.
Standing on the highest point of the Georgian riviera of the Black Sea overlooking the modern city of Batumi President Zurabishvili said Georgia is waiting for visitors.
I think it’s one of the unique places where culture meets beauty. We have archaeological sites very close to here and we [are] all expecting you with Georgian hospitality,” President Zurabishvili said.
Watch the full video address below:
#SpendYourSummerInGeorgia ???????? pic.twitter.com/GJtoDs6GTB
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) July 5, 2019
The social campaign under the hashtag #VisitGeorgia #SpendYourSummerinGeorgia has gone viral amid Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent ban on flights to Georgia.
Putin has ordered a ban on flights as part of Russian state reaction to protest in Tbilisi following a Duma MP's appearance in the Tbilisi parliament on June 20.
In #Sarpi, #Adjara, the anciently-built, destroyed, and rebuilt Monastery of Saint John the Apostle stands on a beautiful cliff facing the #BlackSea. One of the thousands of wonders in Georgia. #SpendYourSummerInGeorgia pic.twitter.com/Zg19TIQg7F
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) July 5, 2019
Russian state reaction to Tbilisi protests has caused even wider public solidarity among the local population against the Russian occupation.
A group Spend Your Summer in Georgia was also created on Facebook, where people share their personal experience of travelling in the country and inviting everyone to support the tourism industry by travelling in Georgia this year.
The #Gonio Fortress in #Adjara dates back to ancient Roman times. Today, I toured the archeological site around the fortress ????. Georgia’s history is impressive, ancient, and full of wonders. #SpendYourSummerInGeorgia pic.twitter.com/1USz77zlGh
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) July 5, 2019