2019-02-03

As Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze stated after visiting the Tetnuldi and Hatzvali alpine ski resorts, large-scale infrastructural projects will be implemented in Svaneti in 2019-2020.
More than 100 million GEL will be spent on road construction, the Head of Government said.
According to the Prime Minister, the main goal is to improve road conditions and infrastructure in order to enable citizens and tourists to reach Svaneti faster.

Several kindergartens are under construction in the region, Mamuka Bakhtadze said, along with the construction of new means of cable transport about to launch, which will enable locals to develop family businesses faster.
"I am happy to see the growing number of tourists in Svaneti, a most beautiful region. The projects implemented by us have truly benefited Svaneti's tourism potential. Even so, it is clear that the existing infrastructure does not suffice to accommodate the current tourist flow. It is especially exciting to see Mestia transform into a year-round destination. The cableways we built on Mount Tetnuldi, albeit important, are just the beginning. We are using less than 5% of this gorgeous attraction's potential. Almost 200 family-run hotels operate in Mestia, which is big, but it no more than 5% of our potential, and the future has greater success in store for us," the Prime Minister stated.
As the Head of Government pointed out, the spatial planning document has already been drafted to ensure the destination's planned development.

"We must avoid mistakes made at other resorts years ago. Our spatial planning will guarantee that Svaneti keeps its unique architecture and landscapes while developing its tourism infrastructure," Mamuka Bakhtadze emphasized.
The Tetnuldi resort, at 2,200 meters above sea level, is located 15 kilometers from Mestia.
Tetnuldi features four cableways and eight ski runs stretching 30 kilometers and accommodating skiers of every category.
Specialists conclude that the Tetnuldi ski complex is able to serve almost 4,000 skiers at a time. This unique destination will host tourists all year, while ski season will span 6-7 months.
Hatzvali, eight kilometers from Mestia, has two cableways and five ski runs stretching seven kilometers.
One of the cableways, a Mestia-Hatzvali connector, is of special importance as it connects Mestia's center to the Hatzvali resort. The cableway was built within record-breaking deadlines.
In addition, smaller cableways operate in Svaneti's villages, such as Mazeri, Ushkhvanari, Etseri, Ushguli, and Daba Lentekhi.