ITB Berlin tourism fair highlights Georgian culture, destinations in run-up to launch

Georgian culture, hospitality and visitor destinations have been highlighted on social media by ITB Berlin, a major international tourism fair set to run with Georgia as the Host Country, as the global event is gearing up for its launch next week. 

Organisers of the fair have been promoting Georgian folk music, dance and other aspects of the national culture on social media, inviting fair visitors to the opening ceremony in the German capital.

You want to experience Georgian culture and listen to their national folk music or want to watch traditional Georgian dance? Come and visit Georgia at this year's ITB Berlin”, an Instagram post showing a rehearsal of the Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet said.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ITB Berlin (@itbberlin)

Have you ever been to Tbilisi, the thrilling capital of Georgia? From beautiful parks and breathtaking waterfalls to fascinating museums, fancy restaurants and of course, burgeoning nightclubs, Tbilisi has much to offer and guarantees to make your trip a memorable experience”, organisers also said in their highlight of destinations in the capital.

Set to run under the theme of “Infinite Hospitality”, the fair will open with a gala concert featuring Georgian performers in a 45-minute show showcasing the country’s history and folklore, while also featuring performing arts and music scenes ranging from contemporary producers to opera.

Georgia is not only rich in huge cultural and natural heritage but has a lot to share. Watch the video and take a dive into the culture of the small but beautiful country. Make sure to be at this year's ITB Berlin & learn more about the Georgian treasures: https://t.co/CFh2NKPtp6 pic.twitter.com/jA04I4zBxx

— ITB Berlin (@ITB_Berlin) February 22, 2023

The main message from organisers is that Georgia is a country of “infinite hospitality and a part of a very refined, European, Western culture”, Basa Potskhishvili, the director of the opening concert, said.

Nikoloz Rachveli, the head of the Georgian National Philharmonic Orchestra, said “all creative elements that have made Georgia famous” would be included in the show at the fair, adding the Host Country status of the major fair was “very important” for the country.

Nikoloz Rachveli, the head of the Georgian National Philharmonic Orchestra, Photo: GNTA

The Sukhishvili troupe and the State Academic Ensemble “Rustavi” - two companies recognised in their international tours - will host audiences in the show, with the Georgian, world wide famous violinist, amazing Lisa Batiashvili, who is one of the world's best violinists, a band led by composer Dato Evgenidze, and conductor Nikoloz Rachveli also among the artists taking to the stage of the fairgrounds in Berlin.

Photo: GNTA

The programme comprises activities and events on-site, including a Georgian calligraphy masterclass at the national stand and a culinary session hosting visitors for an opportunity to taste Georgian dishes and wine.

Georgia, the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2023, is offering many activities during the fair. One highlight are the culinary masterclasses that will be held on March 7. If you want to taste Georgian dishes you need to visit this year's ITB Berlin: https://t.co/OVBTL2wbDe pic.twitter.com/UMOpHc0h8R

— ITB Berlin (@ITB_Berlin) February 27, 2023

Georgian National Tourism Administration Head Maia Omiadze said ITB Berlin was the biggest platform for Georgia’s culture to be showcased, and an opportunity to show the state's “diverse tourism products” to visitors and potential partners.

Ia Gedevanishvili, a representative of the Check-in Travel company, highlighted the importance of the exhibition for Georgia’s tourism sector, noting the representation would help companies from the country acquire new partners and make connections for a further promotion of the domestic tourism sector and contributing to the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic impacts.

The GNTA, 80 domestic hospitality sector companies, the regional Government of the western seaside region of Adjara, the City Hall of the capital Tbilisi, the United Airports of Georgia and destination management organisations are preparing to make an “impressive appearance” at the fair between March 7-9.

ITB Berlin hosted more than 160,000 visitors from 181 countries in 2019, while 5,000 reporters covered the exhibition.