Ski season in Gudauri does not depend on weather any more, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said while visiting the renewed ski resort today.
For the first time in Georgia, artificial snow machines ensured a descent snow base would be present at Gudauri ski track, even in warmer days.
Garibashvili visited Gudauri at the season opening today and inspected the distribution management center of the artificial snow machines. The PM expressed hope that the new system would extend the Gudauri ski season to five months.
"Stability and longer duration of the season brings more tourists. This project gave significant momentum to the investors and many businessmen are interested in investing here. This is a great gift for winter enthusiasts and I congratulate everyone for the season opening,” he said.
The Prime Minister also predicted that this year’s season would be very active and the number of tourists would significantly increase.
This is how Gudauri looks on the season opening. Photo by PM's press-office
The artificial snowmakers, so-called snow guns were already working at the first ropeway in Gudauri today. The total length of Gudauri track which has been covered in artificial snow is 1.1 kilometers.
The second phase of the project foresees covering 4 kilometer-long two additional ski tracks in Gudauri. Artificial lakes will also be built, which will provide the snow guns with enough water for making snow.
"The new artificial snow system brought new opportunities and Gudauri offers all conditions to build modern hotels here,” Prime Minister said.
He also visited a new hotel-style apartment complex of the company "Red-Co” and stressed how pleased he was to see that aparthotels were also being constructed in Gudauri.
Garibashvili also went to the newly opened Emergency Medical Center, where he was hosted by the Minister of Health David Sergeenko.
PM Garibashvili and Health Minister David Sergeenko at the newly constructed Emergency Center. Photo by PM's press-office
Sergeenko noted that before constructing the Emergency Centre, a medical unit did not exist in Gudauri and injured tourists were obliged to travel to Tbilisi.
Garibashvili on his side stressed how important it was that the visitors had complete comfort and could rest peacefully in Gudauri.
After that, Prime Minister attended Georgian wine exposition ‘Wine Town Gudauri 2014’ and tasted different sorts of Georgian wines.
"It is delightful that ‘Wine Town’ celebrates ski season opening in Gudauri and offers wine to the Guests. These types of events make the resort more diverse and attractive for tourists,” he said.