2019-08-14

"We have a long-term strategy on how to develop and regain the trend we had in the tourism sector" stated Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia when commenting on the question posed by journalists today.

According to the Head of Government of Georgia, authorities of the country have proven that such growing trend may be achieved in the tourism sector on the grounds of a pursued strategy, as witnessed in recent years and especially in the first half of 2019.

"Policy pursued by us in the tourism sector was most effective and it has produced very significant and positive results. Particularly successful was our policy in the first half of 2019. I referred to the statistics from Adjara - number of tourists was increased by almost 40% in June. We need to pay attention to the number of tourists and we do our best to not let it drop. Moreover, we are keen to increase and further diversify it. However, it is at the same time important to keep an eye on the statistical data on the proceeds from tourism, i.e. to know how much is generated in the tourism sector from the inflow of tourist that we host in Georgia. Unfortunately, preliminary data for July evidences a decline by 60 million compared to the similar indicator of 2018. It is very bad. I personally and my team will definitely not look at the problem through pink sunglasses. It is a problem as small and medium enterprises (SMEs): guesthouses, restaurants, tour guides failed to generate the expected income. Moreover, proceeds in tourism dropped in contrast with the similar period of the last year. Is it a problem? Of course it is" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.

According to the Head of Government of Georgia, it is the duty of authorities to solve the problem and assist the affected citizens of the country.

"However, allegations that no problem exists, are very unserious. Best response may be given to the problem by people, who are engaged in the sector. They lost revenues that were already budgeted ahead. These people need support and those two programs that I have spoken about at numerous occasions are perceived to be a very significant assistance to overcome the financial difficulties experienced by the SMEs through a joint effort. Political speculations on the topic are not permitted. It is not an issue of a glass being half full or half empty. Our citizens have encountered a specific problem on the background of a negative trend in the tourism sector and they need support. It is univocal" concluded the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Prime Minister's Press Office