Deputy Economy Minister: hosting of m&i Forum “great recognition” for Georgia
Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili on Tuesday said hosting of the m&i Forum, an event for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism industry, was a “great recognition” of the country. Photo: Ministry of Economy
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Georgian Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili on Tuesday said hosting of the m&i Forum, an event for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions tourism industry, was a “great recognition” of the country.
Speaking at the Forum, Kvrivishvili highlighted the country being granted the hosting right for the event while emphasising its tourist products and potential, infrastructure, airline connections, “strong” private sector, security, “reputation and awareness”.
Launched on Monday, the event is attended by 83 local and international companies offering tourist services and brings together participants for 40 guaranteed meetings over three days in a B2B format in Tbilisi.
Kvrivishvili expressed confidence the Forum would showcase the country’s tourism opportunities and enhance its global visibility and revenue in the industry. She also highlighted the “rapid” post-pandemic recovery of Georgia’s tourism and civil aviation sectors, citing a 26.2 percent increase in revenues from international tourism in 2023 compared to 2019 and a 44.4 percent rise in international visitors from European countries in the first quarter of 2024.
Maia Omiadze, the Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, also welcomed Forum participants, including representatives from 63 leading companies in the business tourism industry from various European countries.
On their part, participants expressed their enthusiasm for the event being held in Georgia, emphasising the country's appeal as a destination for both small and large groups and its convenient transportation links.
Heri Kashema, the Commercial Director of m&i, lauded Georgia’s successful hosting of the previous year's event and expressed “high hopes” for this year’s Forum, while event participant Zsuzsanna Nagy-Barta from Hungary praised “opportunities” presented by Georgia for event organisers and the ease of access to the country.
The GNTA said Forum participants would have the opportunity to explore domestic infrastructure, visit tourist attractions, meet local tourism sector representatives and connect with leading companies to establish business relationships with the potential of hosting events in Georgia.