Deputy Economy Minister: Gemo Fest will contribute to development of gastronomic tourism in highland Svaneti

Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili on Saturday said the local food and drink festival Gemo Fest would contribute to the development of gastronomic tourism in Georgia's north-western Svaneti region and its highland town of Mestia, where the festival is hosted.

Kvrivishvili noted the festival, organised by the Georgian National Tourism Administration and supported by the Mestia Municipality, was “one of the very important” new projects, aimed to promote and develop gastronomic tourism, as well as popularise local cuisine in the country’s regions, the Economy Ministry said.

The festival has been hosting 15 local entrepreneurs, as well as “leading chefs” from Georgia's capital Tbilisi, holding masterclasses for the guests, Kvrivishvili stressed, adding it was a “pleasure” that many people visited the Gemo Fest on its opening day, both locals and international tourists and got acquainted with the “rich, traditional” local cuisine.

Within the framework of the festival, various entertainment activities, including concerts, are being held for children and adults. The Gemo Fest was held last summer in Georgia's north-western city of Ambrolauri, which was “highly” praised by both tourism and gastronomy specialists.