Deputy Economy Minister, members of American Chamber of Commerce discuss tourism, civil aviation sectors

The current situation in Georgia’s tourism and civil aviation sectors was discussed on Friday by Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili and the members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia.

Kvrivishvili reviewed the positive dynamics in tourism and noted the income from travel in the three quarters of 2023 exceeded the figure of 2019, reaching a record of $3.3 billion, with the country hosting 5.6 million international travellers, the Economy Ministry said.

• Tourism revenue at $3.3 billion in January-September - Tourism Administration

International sports competitions to be held in Georgia’s winter resorts of Gudauri, Bakuriani and Tetnuldi were highlighted by the Deputy Minister, stressing that the successful handling of the 2023 Freestyle Ski, Snowboard and Freeski World Championships included the country “in the permanent calendar of the International Ski Federation”.

Kvrivishvili also noted the international airports of Kutaisi and Batumi were expected to serve a record number of passengers in 2023, with passenger numbers reaching 1.5 million for Kutaisi airport and 650,000 for Batumi airport.

• Gov’t to spend $32 mln on infrastructure upgrades at Kutaisi Airport - Economy Minister

The development of aviation infrastructure was also emphasised by Kvrivishvili, who highlighted the implementation of the new Tbilisi airport project, set to begin in 2024, as well as the reconstruction of Kutaisi and Telavi airports.

In her comments after the meeting, the Deputy Minister said such meetings with the private sector would help to attract American, European, as well as Georgian investors, adding the business sector had already expressed their desire to participate in various planned projects.