Georgian PM highlights “economic significance” of newly opened Bodbe Hotel in Sighnaghi for tourism

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Sunday underscored “the economic significance” of the newly opened Bodbe Hotel in the town of Sighnaghi in the eastern region of Kakheti for the country's tourism and its role in “promoting the country internationally”.

In his speech at the opening ceremony of the hotel, Kobakhidze stressed the Bodbe Hotel had been built entirely by Georgian investment, amounting to $56 million, and highlighted that around 200 people, “mostly local residents”, were employed in the “high-class” hotel, featuring 132 rooms, bars and restaurants, conference and relaxation spaces.

“Kakheti has exceptional tourism potential and this project will further contribute to the development of that potential. We will do a lot to further advance tourism in Kakheti. In this regard, the ongoing infrastructure projects are crucial. The four-lane highway connecting Tbilisi to Sagarejo has already been opened. Next year, the road section to Badiauri will be completed, and later, the construction of the highway to Chalaubani will be finished as well. After that, for instance, travelling from Tbilisi to this hotel will take approximately one hour”, he noted.

“Such projects will help further develop tourism in Kakheti. I am confident that this hotel will become one of the favourite places for visitors, whether for leisure or business trips, and I wish great success to every individual involved in the fulfilment of this remarkable project", Kobakhidze said.

Speaking in terms of the economic value of the project in a broader context, the Prime Minister claimed this would “contribute” to developing Kakheti's “exceptional potential for tourism”.

“Hospitality is not only an economic domain for us but part of our culture and in this sense, the development of tourism and this sector is important to us. By 2028, I believe, the number of tourists will reach 11 million. Revenues from tourism will increase up to $6.5 billion. It requires additional support and naturally, our support for it will persist”, the PM added.

He also pointed out the importance of Georgia’s tourism as one of the “key sectors” of the economy that played a “particularly significant” role in maintaining the economic growth rate.

“Aside from the significance of sound economic policy and environment, we must also emphasise the importance of peace and stable development, as no economy can develop in any country without peace and stability”, the PM added.

Kobakhidze thanked the Cartu Foundation and Smart Capital for implementing this "remarkable" project.