Georgian PM opens World Tourism Day celebration in Tbilisi

Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, on Friday officially opened this year’s World Tourism Day celebration in Tbilisi, marking the first time the country has hosted the international event.

Under the auspices of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, this year’s theme, Tourism and Peace, emphasises the role of tourism in “fostering global harmony”, the Georgian Economy Ministry said. 

The event gathered high-ranking international delegations, including speakers such as Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, Aziz Abduhakimov, the Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, Harris Whitbeck, the Minister of Tourism of Guatemala, and Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the UNWTO.

Bringing together ministers, leaders of international organisations, and key figures from the tourism and transport sectors, the event sought to highlight tourism’s role as a “bridge to peace and cross-cultural understanding”. 

Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, echoed this sentiment during her opening remarks, saying, “tourism in peacetime, harmony, and respect are values we all share. Cultural exchange, dialogue, and peace are essential for this sector”.

Three key discussion panels will be held as part of the event on Friday, including Building Bridges through Tourism, Tourism as a Driver of Global Peace, and Harnessing innovation, cultivating talent for peace.

Participants highlighted hosting the event in Georgia would enhance the exchange of expertise and further strengthen international cooperation in tourism.