Georgian airports body Director says Naples has become popular destination following impact of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

The Italian city of Naples has become a popular destination for travellers from Georgia due to the impact made by the Georgian football player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at the city’s club since his move to Italy, Irakli Karkashadze, the recently appointed Director of the United Airports of Georgia, told Imedi TV on Monday.

Karkashadze revealed the UAG was in talks with airlines with the prospect of adding Naples as a direct destination from Georgia.

The airports body Director told the channel while adding the city to the list of destinations from Georgian airports would not have made sense in the years past, it had now become “one of the priority directions”, with football fans looking to travel to support Kvaratskhelia in his appearances for the club.

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The 21-year-old midfielder has made an instant impression in the Italian national championship and Champions League through goals and assists after joining Napoli from Dinamo Batumi this season.

In October, he became the first Georgian player to score in the latter competition in 17 years with his goals against Ajax, in the 6-1 win for the Italian club.

He was also named Player of the Year in the end-of-year awards of the Georgian Football Federation in December, while international pundits have issued repeated praise of the young player since the start of the season.

Transfermarkt, a reference website for player values from across the world, shows the current market value of the winger at €60 million.