Delegation of Israel Supports Tourism in Georgia

Within the scope of an official invitation from Israeli House, the members of the Knesset of Israel and Likud Party of the Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with the representatives of the Israeli business sector and media, are paying a visit to Georgia. The delegation, comprising 25 delegates, is headed by Davit Bitan, the Leader of the ruling coalition of the Knesset.

The aim of the visit is to hold business meetings and explore the tourist potential of Georgia on site. There has been an impressive increase in the Israeli tourist inflow in Georgia in recent years. According to official data, in comparison with the first half of 2018, in 2019 the number of tourists increased by 28.4%. Itsik Moshe, President of the Israel-Georgia Chamber of Business and Chair of the Israeli House, states that the number of travelers from Israel might reach 200,000 this year.

On July 17, the Israeli delegation participated in a discussion on the topic ‘Georgian-Israeli Relations,’ organized by Diplomat Magazine, in the Biltmore Tbilisi hotel. At the meeting, the speakers Davit Bitan, Hila Mark, Member of Knesset from the ruling party Likud, and Itsik Moshe, spoke about the relations between the two countries and strongly focused on the untapped potential. The speakers gave thorough responses to attendees’ questions on the possibilities for enhancing ties between Georgia and Israel.

“I always say to the members of the government that Georgia is a safe country, where tourists can walk around event at night,” Bitan stated, going on to address the future Georgian diplomats attending the event. “Your work is crucial, while your purity is to be directly reflected on the relations between the two countries.”

Moshe noted that the visit of high level Israeli guests in Georgia is of vital importance when there is such high potential for the further cooperation between the two countries. Currently, tourism and investments represent one of the most successful directions within this collaboration. The aim of the Israel-Georgia Chamber of Business and Israeli House is to better introduce the two countries to each other, as this is “the only way to establish strong and fruitful ties.”

On July 18, the Israeli delegation traveled to the city of Batumi to hold a meeting with Davit Gabaidze, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara. At the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects in terms of increasing the tourist inflow from Israel to the region of Ajara, as well as the number of flights. In addition, the Israeli businessmen also spoke regarding interest in Ajara’s potential. The meeting was attended by Itsik Moshe.

Further, within the scope of the visit, guests discovered the sights of Ajara, among them the Batumi Sinagogue, which holds the status of Cultural Heritage. The public demands, it be renovated and given its original appearance.

The delegation from Israel then participated in an agreement signing ceremony between Israeli House and the Grigol Robakidze University. The agreement envisages starting teaching ‘Holocaust History’ at the University.

In addition, the Israeli guests attended the official ceremony of the launch of the international company MyWay Airlines, mostly serving tourists traveling from Israel to Georgia. It is also planned to open a representation office of the company in Israel soon.

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya