Regional Activity Guria Group (RAGG) Presents in Dumbadze’s Foundation
On June 29, a presentation of the annual summary report and development vision of the Regional Activity Guria Group (RAGG) was held in the Nodar Dumbadze Foundation. The group comprises professionals with different specialties who are engaged within their own personal responsibility for the sustainable development of the Guria region and who, through various initiatives, enhance tourist attraction to the region. The presentation also included the main findings of tourism potential research of the Guria region, carried out by Eichstätt - Ingolstadt Catholic University Master students, professors and tourism experts.
“My understanding of Guria’s regional development, first of all, implies the fulfillment of the Gurieli ‘son-in-law’ role,” said Knut Gurian, Co-Founder of RAGG, Business Consultant, Georgian citizen. “Even 20 years ago, I saw that Guria, with its authentic hospitality, welcomes guests and is open to foreign nationalities. As a tourism expert, I can say that Guria’s unique selling points (USP) exactly meet tourist expectations: sincere hospitality, authentic nature and rich heritage. The research identifies that Guria should sustain its development, maintain its identity and believe in its regional economic potential. RAGG is active in this direction, initiated a first step of initiatives to incentivize tourists and raise awareness of the culture, heritage and traditions of the local community. As a result, I can say that we can already observe tangible results.”
“Guria is not known as a rich region. Research on tourism potential shows that it is not developed enough in any direction. Guria, at this stage, does not utilize its natural potential at its maximum capacity,” said Gaga Gogichaishvili, Co-Founder of RAGG. “If we want the region’s sustainable development, meaning the preservation of natural and cultural heritage for future generations, which we believe to be a worthy task, then we have to take this initiative together with the community, administration and businesses to actively involve all sides. Every member of RAGG’s team and its numerous supporters believe that it is a personal responsibility, a message to Gurians living in Georgia and abroad, to join us and take responsibility to maintain the heritage and traditions which makes Guria and our country, Georgia, unique. We believe now is the time to act and support the process of transformation.”
Within the scope of the presentation, supporters of the initiative, Anzor Erqomaishvili, Keti Dumbadze, Director of Nodar Dumbadze Foundation and the founders Gaga Gogichaishvili, Soso Erqomaishvili, Mikheil Chkuaseli and Knut Gurian, discussed the importance of similar civil unions in terms of regional development, the existing stage of Guria’s development, the present challenges and potential and reasons why members support and are part of the group.
Meetings with Guria’s community are already in progress within the project framework and have raised interest in tourism development from an investment group.
“The initiative started by RAGG is vital to the well-being of the community,” said Mikheil Chkuaseli. “In the two years the group has existed, the involvement and interest of the population has grown. The research carried out by the RAGG is crucial, well demonstrating the problems that Guria faces, challenges that we are ready to develop solutions to overcome and start the process of sustainable development of Guria region.”
By Anna Zhvania