Georgian president promotes country’s inclusive tourism development at int’l conference

Georgian president Salome Zourabichvili on Tuesday highlighted the importance of international experience for the development of inclusive tourism in the country at an international conference she hosted at the Orbeliani presidential palace in Tbilisi.

The event on inclusive tourism for social inclusion and economic development saw Zourabichvili discuss formation of relevant policy in the country, the president’s administration announced.

She told participants inclusive tourism contributed to the development of the country's economy, noting the tourism sector should work to offer a “positive travel experience” to people with different needs, and stressing the importance of involving “all interested parties” in the development of the field.

Georgia is one of the unique tourist countries in the world with its rich historical and cultural heritage and modernity. It is attractive to visitors with its diversity, both in [its] nature and in gastronomic, archeological, sports, mountain and pilgrimage routes, which are not yet fully developed”, she said while also highlighting medical tourism among the country’s attractions.

The president noted Georgia had ratified the convention on the rights of people with disabilities, which stipulates the government should facilitate the accessibility of sports events, recreational and tourist facilities for people with disabilities.

"[T]he process of improving tourism legislation and introducing international standards is underway”, she said, adding “we still have a lot to do in this regard, but this is the direction that is undoubtedly the correct and growing direction for our country".

Representatives of the state and non-governmental sector, international donor organisations, members of diplomatic corps and international experts participated in the conference.