Economy Minister, UNWTO Secretary-General highlight Georgia’s business environment, role of peace at World Tourism Day event in Tbilisi

Levan Davitashvili, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister of Georgia, and Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, on Friday highlighted the country’s business environment, the role of peace and tourism in comments for World Tourism Day, an annual event held for the first time in the country under the auspices of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

Davitashvili introduced the country’s business and investment environment, and noted the state had “one of the most liberal economies in the world”.

We are one of the most liberal economies in the world, we promote open markets, economic freedom, and have a business-oriented environment, free trade deals with one-third of the world”, he said.

He also emphasised the post-pandemic recovery progress, noting the country’s economic growth had stood at 9.7 percent over the recent years while also highlighting macroeconomic parameters, including levels of inflation.

Photo: Economy Ministry of Georgia

The Minister also introduced the policy of the Government’s economic team, including promotion of investments in the private sector, with the state programme Enterprise Georgia, the state agency promoting entrepreneurship, investment and exports, as “one of its key tools”.

We are one of the top countries that welcome foreign direct investment, as it is vital for our economic growth and development. With this approach, we believe we will attract even more foreign direct investments. We are eager to receive such investments from any country”, the official added.

Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organisation, on Friday highlighted connection between tourism and peace during his address at the opening of the event by saying there was “no tourism without peace”.

Photo: Economy Ministry of Georgia

Pololikashvili said tourism was “not just economic growth, [but] fundamentally about peace”.

War is everywhere around us. Many of us have not only witnessed it on TV or in newspapers, we have experienced it firsthand. Every day we see that civilians, especially women and children, are suffering. We see how the entire population is traumatised, the economies of the countries are destroyed. We see geopolitical tension, inequality, misinformation and climate crisis”, he said.

I envision a future where the UN and all partners work together for a more just and peaceful world. Together, we can create a tourism sector that not only responds to conflicts but also prevents and resolves them”, he added.

The official also added tourism had been used as a means to restore and promote peace between nations after the two world wars.

Georgia was hosting World Tourism Day with speakers discussing trends in industry development for the event involving government officials, representatives of international organisations and the sector from around the world.

The decision to grant the country the hosting right was unanimously approved by 38 members of the European Commission of the WTO in 2023.