Tourism Administration Head highlights peace as World Tourism Day theme

Maia Omiadze, the Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, on Thursday highlighted peace and its role in tourism as this year's message for World Tourism Day, an annual event held under the auspices of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Omiadze noted the country’s capital Tbilisi would host its first celebration of the event marked since 1979, and added it would “significantly contribute to strengthening the country's tourism awareness in the international arena”.

The international media in Georgia have had time to visit different regions and Tbilisi, and to be introduced to Georgia’s tourist potential. They will tell the whole world about Georgia, as a tourist place and destination. They will introduce the main message of how important peace is for people, for travel, for getting to know the new world”, she said.

The GNTA said the Tourism Day celebration had welcomed high-ranking guests from 40 countries, with the event also featuring tourism ministers, international organisations and industry professionals.

Discussion panels on Friday will focus on global trends in tourism development and the “crucial role” of peace in advancing the industry.