Israelis may be first tourists into Georgia after country lifts flight ban

Israel may be the first country from which Georgia will welcome tourists after flight bans are lifted, announced Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia at a government meeting earlier today, noting the importance of getting the tourism sector back on its feet. 

He also said that Georgia is negotiating with other countries including the Czech Republic, Poland, the Baltic states, Austria and Georgia’s neighboring countries.

It is important to observe safety rules…We have to get back to normal life soon but I would like to emphasise that we need to draw conclusions from this crisis and turn this crisis into an opportunity for our country, not only in tourism but also in agriculture,” said Gakharia.

About 20 air companies want to resume flights with Georgia, said Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava today adding that the dates and destinations will be known soon.

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Among the air companies which want to resume flights with Georgia are Wizz Air, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines,  El Al and Qatar Airways.

Turnava said implementing guidelines to observe safety rules in tourism is critical, and that social distancing and other hygienic measures must be observed. 

She noted that in parallel with the World Tourism Organization (WTO), Georgia is also working to implement guidelines with the recommendations of the country’s Ministry of Health.