Economy Minister, businesses discuss development of Abastumani resort

Topics related to the development of Abastumani resort in Georgia's south-west were on Monday discussed between the Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili and Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze on the one hand, and businesses working to overhaul the location on the other. 

The Economy Ministry said the officials received information about the ongoing and forthcoming hotel constructions at the resort from companies involved in the works, with the discussions noting most of the main facilities would be ready to receive guests by the summer of 2025.

They also emphasised the importance of diversification of hotel development in the area, which implies construction of both local, budget hotel choices and five-star, international brand hotels.

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The ministers were briefed by the private sector representatives on their projects, and addressed "various initiatives" being carried out to promote the private sector with Government assistance within the Abastumani project.

Government-funded projects completed for the location - including the renovation of the 1932-built Abastumani Astrophysical Observatory and the 1982-completed cable car system - were also noted, along with the rehabilitation of 20 historic houses dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. The overall development plan, as well as the building and renovation of the resort's water supply and drainage systems, were completed between 2020-2022, the Ministry also said.

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Further work is being done on an open parking lot, a complete reconstruction of a local bus station and construction of the bypass route for accessing the resort, the Ministry added.