Latvian travel trade fair highlights Georgia’s tourism potential

Georgia’s rich history and vast tourism potential were put on display this week in Riga, Latvia, at the 24th International Travel Trade Fair ‘Balttour 2017’ – the largest and most important travel market in the Baltic States.

Tourism professionals and travellers had the opportunity to discover unique tourist destinations, learn about the hospitality traditions of participating countries, taste local and foreign foods and drinks and shop at the largest travel sale of the year during the three-day event (February 3-5).

‘Balttour 2017’ offered more than 470 exhibition stands with the participation of about 850 travel and tourism related companies from 41 countries across the world, including Georgia.

Georgia’s stand at the international travel exhibition was represented by the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) and others, including Capital Georgia Travel, Adjara Tourism Administration and four Georgian tourist companies: Mimino Travel, Georgia Travel RSP, Tkemali Tours and Travel World.

The Georgian Stand was one of the biggest at the exhibition. The interest of visitors was high during the three-day event”, read the press-release published by the Embassy of Georgia in Latvia.

‘Balttour 2017’ offered more than 470 exhibition stands including Georgians. Photo by the Embassy of Georgia in Latvia.

The official website of the ‘Balttour 2017’ travel exhibition made an introduction of Georgia with the following words:

"Georgia, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a combination of uniqueness and diversity. The country, known as the cradle of wine offers Caucasus mountain range, Black Sea coastline, curative climate and mineral waters, national parks and UNESCO Heritage Sites, rich culture, delicious cuisine and famous Georgian hospitality.

"From the architecture of Tbilisi’s Old Town to the vineyards of Kakheti; from the ancient stone towers of Svaneti to the beaches and nightlife of Batumi, there is something inspiring and exciting for everyone.

"Ski the Caucasus Mountains, Europe’s highest mountain range, in the morning and relax at the Black Sea coast in the afternoon. Sample the delicious Georgian cuisine and wine at a traditional "Supra” (feast) one day, detox in our natural saunas and spas the next.

"Georgia has a unique, welcoming culture which explains its world-famous hospitality. With its own alphabet and language, and many world-famous artists, Georgia will surprise and delight you at every turn!” (sic)

About 28,000 visitors attended the ‘Balttour 2017’ travel exhibition of which 5,500 were industry professionals.