Georgian PM: rapid economic growth depends on new jobs created by business sector

The rapid and sustainable development of the economy depends primarily on the business environment, its development and on how quickly and effectively it can create jobs, said Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia at a meeting with business representatives in the field of tourism.

No steps will be taken in the tourism sector without dialogue with this sector," Gakharia said.

In 2018, Georgia had more than seven million visitors, generating approximately $3.2 - $3.3 billion in revenue.

Gakharia also spoke about the importance of direct flights, noting that direct flights are the most efficient and fastest way to increase the number of tourists in the country as quickly as possible.

As of today, direct flights from Georgia take place to 50 different destinations of the world.

The function of the government is to work with [tourism representatives] to diversify markets, create new tourism products and create the best investment environment in the sector," Gakharia said.

Gakharia noted that in the 2020 state budget, the government allocated about 115 million GEL ($38.75/€35.31) for tourism development. 

Gakharia noted that the ultimate goal of tourism sector development is to bring more tourists to the country, which will result in more income, more jobs and of course it will increase the popularity of the country as well. 

He noted that increasing the popularity of the country has great importance for a developing democracy and an emerging economy such as Georgia.