Saudi Tourism Minister praises Georgia’s “natural beauty”, tourism potential

Ahmed Al Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, praised Georgia’s “natural beauty“ and tourism potential in comments on World Tourism Day celebrations, an annual event held for the first time in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi under the auspices of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the Georgian National Tourism Administration said on Tuesday.

Khateeb emphasised the event’s message of tourism and peace, highlighting the importance of fostering peace to encourage tourists to travel, and different nations to connect with one another.

While walking in Old Tbilisi [historical parts of the capital], I saw many tourists enjoying the city's beauty. Georgia boasts extraordinary nature, favourable climatic conditions, and mountains. In winter, you can ski, and you have delicious food. The most important and amazing thing is the Georgian people. From the moment we arrived, they greeted us with smiles, showing great openness and willingness to help”, he said.

The Minister also discussed Georgia’s investments and the tourism potential, by saying it had “good potential”, while crediting support from the country’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the Government office.

The World Tourism Day event, held last week, hosted over 300 delegates and high-ranking guests, including tourism ministers, department heads, and industry professionals from various countries.