PM: Georgia to Welcome First Tourists from Israel

"Georgia should become one of the first countries that will be able to open tourism and receive guests in the country," Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said at a government meeting.

He noted that successful negotiations are underway with a number of countries on this issue.

In particular, active negotiations are underway with the Czech Republic, Poland, the Baltic states, Austria and Georgia’s neighboring countries.

"Today, we can say that we have successful negotiations with several countries in this direction. The first such country seems to be Israel, with which we will have a safe green corridor and which will provide an opportunity for Georgia to welcome tourists soon. Of course, we will do our best to host them in a way that suits our country and we will take care of their health," the head of the government emphasized. 

As of today, over 20 international air carriers have already expressed interest and readiness to gradually resume flights to Georgia from July 1, 2020.

The Prime Minister of Georgia once again stressed the importance of turning the global crisis into an opportunity for the economy, which will let the country become more effective and successful in the global competition. He believes that tourism is one of the good examples of this, thereby noting that Georgia should be one of the first countries to re-open tourism and accept international visitors by making sure that its citizens and visitors stay healthy and safe by adhering to rules, which is critically important on the background of the global pandemic.

From June 15, Georgia will open local tourism services, and from July 1, the country will be ready to receive international tourists.

The above is part of the Anti-Crisis Plan to Open Tourism, developed by the government. 

By Ana Dumbadze 

Related Story: Georgia to Open to Foreign Tourists from July 1