Large-Scale Infrastructural Projects to Be Launched in Svaneti
Large-scale infrastructural projects will be implemented in Svaneti, a historic province in the northwestern part of the country, in 2019-2020 with more than GEL 100 million ($376,591m) to be spent on road construction alone.
The statement was made by Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze on Sunday, when he visited the Tetnuldi and Hatsvali alpine ski resorts in Svaneti.
The PM noted that the main goal is to improve roads and infrastructure in general in order to enable citizens and tourists to get to Svaneti faster.
“I am happy to see the growing number of tourists in Svaneti, a most beautiful region. The projects implemented 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,” he said.
Bakhtadze noted that it is especially exciting to see Mestia transforming 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, but it not enough and in future we must do more to develop this place,” he added.
The PM stated that spatial planning will guarantee that Svaneti keeps its unique architecture and landscapes while developing its tourism infrastructure.
Svaneti is best known for its superb house-towers, most of them dating back to the 12-13th centuries, which line the valleys and once served as look-out posts against the threat of invasion. Those towers are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Tetnuldi ski resort is the largest resort in Svaneti region and the second largest after the most popular ski resort in Georgia - Gudauri.
The skiing area in Tetnuldi is concentrated on the northern, western and south-western slopes of Mount Tetnuldi (4858 m), at altitudes from 1600 m to 3165 m. It can be reached from Mestia town by taxi or by shuttle bus from various hotels. Trails in this region are diverse and have a total length of 25 km. The longest trail is 9.5 km.
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 year-round, while the ski season spans 6-7 months.
Hatsvali is 8 km from the central town of Svaneti, Mestia. The upper cable car station is located on Mount Zuruldi. One of the cableways, a Mestia-Hatsvali connector, is of special importance as it connects Mestia's center to the Hatsvali resort. The cableway was built within record-breaking deadlines.
Currently, there are three runs in Hatsvali: red (1900 m), blue (2600 m) and a trail for beginners (300 m), meaning skiers of every level can enjoy one of the world’s most picturesque resorts.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: PM’s Press Office